British tennis star Jack Draper received a code violation warning after destroying his racket during a "meltdown" at the Italian Open, despite being in control of his match.
The world No. 5 was leading Czech qualifier Vit Kopriva by a set and a break when his frustration boiled over.
Draper hurled his racket to the ground twice, leaving significant marks on the clay court as fans at the SuperTennis Arena jeered his outburst.
Sky Sports commentator Annabel Croft described the incident as "a bit of a meltdown".
Jack Draper lost his cool in the Italian Open, smashing his racket on the clay court
Reuters
The incident occurred during the third round of the tournament where Draper had taken the opening set 6-4 and broken his opponent early in the second set.
Despite his comfortable position, Draper became visibly frustrated when he failed to convert four break point opportunities while leading 3-1 in the second set.
The world No. 92 Kopriva saved all four chances, keeping himself within striking distance with just a single break deficit.
This missed opportunity to extend his lead appeared to trigger Draper's uncharacteristic display of anger.
Draper's frustration was evident as he slammed his racket into the centre of the court, then threw it again when he returned to his bench for the changeover.
Slow-motion replays showed the impact leaving dents in the clay surface.
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"In the centre of the court there and it went again when he got back to his chair and you can see the marks in the clay," noted Sky Sports commentator Jonathan Overend.
"If the ball hits one of those, who knows what's going to happen to it? It's not going to be a smooth bounce, that's for sure."
Speaking after the match, Draper acknowledged his emotional outburst.
"It was a tough match, especially against a guy who is a bit unknown but he's won a lot of matches here," he told Sky Sports Tennis.
Jack Draper eventually went on to win the contest in straight sets
Reuters
"I felt a bit low on energy, my feet weren't working as well as I wanted them to, but I tried to fight hard and find a way."
The British star admitted his reaction was excessive but highlighted his determination to overcome it.
"The frustration boiled out a bit too much in the end but I stayed at it and came through."
Despite his momentary loss of composure, Draper regained his focus in the crucial moments of the match.
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Frustrations rise for Jack Draper in the second set after missing multiple break points 😳 pic.twitter.com/3BhqjU7wUX
— Sky Sports Tennis (@SkySportsTennis) May 11, 2025
The fifth seed impressively recovered from 0-40 down in his next service game to maintain his advantage.
Draper finally secured another break as Kopriva served to stay in the match at 5-3.
The 23-year-old Brit converted his third match point to seal a 6-4, 6-3 victory.
The win books Draper's place in the last 16 of the Italian Open, where he will next face Corentin Moutet.
