“I didn’t defy her or the rules,” Novak Djokovic slams Eurosport for manipulating facts during his ‘Toilet Break’ at the 2023 Australian Open
The Serbian star clarified his stand and blamed Eurosport's faulty reporting that created unwanted controversy.
Follow Us
Novak Djokovic
Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic has had just the kind of start to the Australian Open all his fans were expecting. The record nine-time Australian Open champion overcame Roberto Carballés Baena in the first round without much trouble. With the victory, the overwhelming favorite moved one step closer to the title.
But there was one controversy relating to the toilet break. The Serb took some time off for a toilet break in the first set and it seemed that he had ignored the umpire’s call disallowing him the break. This controversy soon took over the internet as Djokovic ‘defied’ the umpire was raging.
Clearing the air about the incident, Djokovic took to Instagram and shared his side of the story. “Chair umpire allowed me to go to the toilet but she told me I don’t have a toilet break, just change over break. So she told me(you didn’t capture that with a camera)I had to hurry up,” he said. “When I almost exited the court she called me (I didn’t hear) and it was to tell me that the toilet was on the opposite side of the court,” Djokovic wrote.
The 21-time Grand Slam champion on lashed out at Eurosport for showing just one side of the story and made it clear that he did not ‘defy’ the umpire. “I found one where I went also, and I had to be quick because of the time. I didn’t “defy” her or the rules. She gave me permission and told me to be quick. Next time be mindful of what you post,” Djokovic said. “You have a responsibility towards many sports fans that follow your page, Eurosport.”
Related: Rafael Nadal may not be competing too long after his exit from the Australian Open
Novak Djokovic’s path to the 10th title gets easier after exit of Rafael Nadal
On a quest for the 10th title glory, the Serbian legend Novak Djokovic will lock horns with French Enzo Couacaud in the second round of the Australian Open. After the straight-set win over Roberto Carballés Baena, the Frenchman is not expected to put up a tough challenge against Djokovic. However, there is the hamstring injury concern with Djokovic which is still lingering.
Serb’s longtime rival Rafael Nadal got uncharacteristically eliminated from the season’s first Grand Slam after a straight-set defeat against Mackenzie Lowe “Mackie” McDonald. This broke the hearts of his fans but on the flip side, Djokovic’s prospects got a significant boost. Though the champion star would have loved to defeat Nadal on his path to the title his fans got an additional reason to cheer.
After the second round, Djokovic is expected to take on Grigor Dimitrov in the third round and Alex de Minaur in the fourth round. Andrey Rublev, Casper Ruud, and Stefanos Tsitsipas/Daniil Medvedev will await him down the road to the crown at Melbourne Park.
In case you missed it:
WATCH: Roger Federer’s first Grand Slam win at Australian Open 2000
Stay Updated!
Abhinavendu Singh
(290 Articles Published)