"Pressure is a privilege, my friend," Djokovic had said in answer to a reporter's question about his mental health at the Olympics.
"If you are aiming to be at the top of the game you better start learning how to deal with pressure and how to cope with those moments - on the court but also off the court," said Djokovic.
However, it seems like the athlete could not handle pressure very well when Spain's Pablo Carreño Busta defeated him in the bronze-medal match of the tennis tournament on Saturday.
Djokovic first threw his racket over five rows of seats into the stands after he couldn't get to a stop-volley winner from Busta.
A couple of games later, when Busta had broken his serve to take control of the decisive set, Djokovic again lost his cool and slammed his racket into the net post during a change of ends.
The video of Djokovic's racket abuse soon went viral.
The topic of mental health flared up after American gymnast Simone Biles withdrew herself from Thursday's all-around competition to focus on her mental well-being. Tennis player Naomi Osaka has also talked openly about her mental health at the Olympics.
Djokovic's quote about pressure being a privilege came at a time when Biles and Osaka were dealing with criticism for prioritising their mental health. Hence, it was looked upon by many as a dig at Biles and Osaka. Some even called it 'mansplaining'.
As soon as the video of Djokovic's racket-smashing surfaced online, people were quick to criticise the tennis player and comparing him to Biles and Osaka. Some, even recounted the event when Serena Williams was fined for smashing her racket and attracted a worldwide trolling.
Here's what people are saying. Have a look.
(By agencies)
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