London: Young Australian tennis star Akira Santillan has made an explosive exit from Wimbledon qualifying, obliterating five racquets after a heartbreaking defeat in London.
Santillan was inconsolable after blowing two match points in a 6-7 (5-7), 6-3, 12-10 second-round qualifying loss to Belgian journeyman Ruben Bemelmans on Wednesday.
The 22-year-old, who has yet to make a grand slam main draw, was unable to contain his frustrations after the match.
Santillan walked to what he thought was a secluded spot on the Roehampton field, took out all five of his racquets out and destroyed them one by one.
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Unfortunately, the world No. 215's violent outburst was captured by a photographer, with Santillan's trail of destruction captured and quickly posted on social media.
A few shocked onlookers stared at Santillan from afar as he smashed his equipment.
Journalist John Horn, who posted footage of the outburst on Twitter and said that he spoke to Santillan, said the athlete had walked off court "saying he should retire".
Horn said he also spoke to another volatile Australian player, Nick Krygios, who was watching his friend Santillan's match.
Akira Santillan pictured at the Junior Boys' Singles semi-finals at the 2015 Australian Open.Credit:AAP
London: Young Australian tennis star Akira Santillan has made an explosive exit from Wimbledon qualifying, obliterating five racquets after a heartbreaking defeat in London.
Santillan was inconsolable after blowing two match points in a 6-7 (5-7), 6-3, 12-10 second-round qualifying loss to Belgian journeyman Ruben Bemelmans on Wednesday.
The 22-year-old, who has yet to make a grand slam main draw, was unable to contain his frustrations after the match.
Santillan walked to what he thought was a secluded spot on the Roehampton field, took out all five of his racquets out and destroyed them one by one.
Advertisement
Unfortunately, the world No. 215's violent outburst was captured by a photographer, with Santillan's trail of destruction captured and quickly posted on social media.
A few shocked onlookers stared at Santillan from afar as he smashed his equipment.
Journalist John Horn, who posted footage of the outburst on Twitter and said that he spoke to Santillan, said the athlete had walked off court "saying he should retire".
Horn said he also spoke to another volatile Australian player, Nick Krygios, who was watching his friend Santillan's match.
Akira Santillan pictured at the Junior Boys' Singles semi-finals at the 2015 Australian Open.Credit:AAP
