JACK DRAPER obliterated his racquet as Great Britain’s Davis Cup dreams went up in smithereens.
The British No1 knew his country’s hopes of qualifying for November’s Malaga finals were already over when he stepped out to face Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime.
Dan Evans’ 6-0 7-5 defeat to Denis Shapovalov in the opening rubber at the AO Arena condemned GB to third in Group D behind Canada and Argentina because Leon Smith’s side needed a 3-0 clean sweep on Sunday to progress.
But Draper – who lost to Francisco Cerundolo on Friday – wanted to put on a show for the 15,000-strong home crowd and keep his team in the tie.
There was no love lost between the pair who were involved in a controversial match point at the Cincinnati Open a month ago.
Then, the Brit sealed victory despite appearing to hit the ball into the ground and then over the net.
However, after losing a gruelling 67-minute first-set tie-break 10-8 to Auger-Aliassime, Draper’s frustration boiled over.
The new world No20 and heir to Andy Murray’s British tennis throne fired his backhand long on set point.
He then pummelled his Dunlop frame into the court FIVE times before throwing the fragmented remains to the floor and kicking them away and yanking off his cap in anger.
Auger-Aliassime could not resist a wry smile at his opponent’s meltdown as he celebrated clinching the first set.
It was a rare moment of Draper’s emotions completely boiling over on the court and left the commentator stunned and tennis fans divided.
The BBC Sport commentator said: “Draper showing his frustration, demolishing his racquet.
One journalist wrote on X: “One of the best racquet smashes of the year by Jack Draper. It went smash – smash – smash – smash – smash – drop – side foot.”
Another fan added: “I absolutely love this. Shows he’s passionate and invested and hates to lose.”
But a third commented: “Grow up for goodness sake.”
And a fourth replied: “Draper’s temper tantrum smashing his racket really poor taste.”
The spectacular demolition job was so severe an official had to wipe down the court with a towel before an attendant with a LEAF BLOWER was called to clear the remaining debris before play could continue.
Things did not get much better for Draper in second set as he failed to capitalise on two break points at 3-2.
The US Open semi-finalist then pushed a volley wide while trying to save break point on his own serve at 5-5 before Auger-Aliassime closed out a 7-6 7-5 victory.
There was a frosty handshake between the pair at the net.
Wimbledon champion and Davis Cup debutant Henry Patten teamed up with Neal Skupski to win the dead-rubber doubles, with the tie already over.
Evans then admitted he will consider his Davis Cup future.
The Brummie said: “I’ve thought about it long and hard. I’ll have to think a little more.
“I love competing for my country. I’ve loved every minute of it but sometimes you’ve got to know when to leave.”
However, there was good news for Brit Sonay Kartal.
The Brighton-based star won the first WTA Tour title of her career.
The 22-year-old qualifier – who reached round three at Wimbledon – beat Slovakian Rebecca Sramkova 6-3 7-5 in the final of the WTA 250 Jasmin Open in Tunisia.
