Federer smashes racket in bitter loss to Djokovic

KEY BISCAYNE, Florida – Battling a long slump, Roger Federer angrily broke his racket en route to a 3-6, 6-2, 6-3 loss to Novak Djokovic in the Sony Ericsson Open semifinals on Friday.

Federer fell behind 2-love in the third set, and when he netted an easy forehand to start the next game, he slammed his racket to the concrete, mangling it. The outburst was a shock coming from Federer, winner of the ATP Tour’s sportsmanship award for the past five years.

“I was just frustrated,” a red-eyed Federer said shortly after the match. “Didn’t feel great. It’s just a natural thing I did.” (AP)