Dimitrov smashes his way to Istanbul defeat

Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov smashed three racquets on his way to conceding the Istanbul Open final to Argentine Diego Schwartzman.

Dimitrov received a warning for smashing his first racquet early in the third set before doing it again soon after.

Trailing 5-0 in the third set, Dimitrov broke another racquet when level at 40-40 in the sixth game, resulting in a match-ending penalty.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rn62ST7dHX4

“I let myself down, I let my team down, I let my family down with that behaviour,” Dimitrov said.

Second seed Dimitrov was one set ahead and 5-2 up in the second before Schwartzman, the world No.87, fought back to win the his first ATP title 6-7(5) 7-6(4) 6-0.

“I started cramping at 5-2 in the second set. It was very unfortunate that I couldn’t close out the match. I have to give credit to Diego,” Dimitrov said.

World No.29 Dimitrov lost 11 of the last 12 games of the claycourt clash.

“It was an amazing match for me,” said Schwartzman.

“I played well and fought all match. What happened to Grigor with the cramps also happened to me in Australia this year. With my doubles final and title in singles, it’s amazing.”