Marion Bartoli bashes the ‘SHAMEFUL’ British press for tainting Novak Djokovic’s name in doping controversy at the Davis Cup following Serbia’s quarter-final win 

Novak Djokovic was not one bit pleased after being put into such a situation before an important game.

Marion Bartoli bashes the ‘SHAMEFUL’ British press for tainting Novak Djokovic’s name in doping controversy at the Davis Cup following Serbia’s quarter-final win 

Marion Bartoli, Novak Djokovic (Images via The Guardian, CNN)

Serbian tennis ace Novak Djokovic has received support from former French tennis player Marion Bartoli in his act of disappointment towards the International Tennis Integrating Agency (ITIA) over a doping test before his match at the Davis Cup 2023. As the Serb faces flak and criticism for not abiding by the rules set in place, Bartoli has taken aim at the Britsh press for tainting the legend’s name. 

Bartoli said that she cannot wrap her head around the decision to conduct a doping test before a match as it is opposite to the norm when players are tested after the match is over. The former Frenchwoman defended Djokovic while blaming the media for a trial against the 36-year-old Serbian. 

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Bartoli said that she does not understand if it makes any difference to conduct the test before or after a match. However, she showed an inclination towards the latter saying that has been the norm for the simple reason that the urinary concentration is greater due to dehydration during the match.

I don't see what difference it makes whether it's done before or after, especially since after the matches the urinary concentration is greater because during the match there is a dehydration effect. The “trial” that we tried to do against Djokovic is linked to this British press which knows nothing, and which allows itself to accuse the players, it’s disgusting, it’s shameful, and completely unjustified.
Marion Bartoli said on the show Les Grandes Gueules du Sport on RMC Sports.

Novak Djokovic explains the rationale behind his furore at doping test

Much has been said and discussed about Novak Djokovic losing his cool at the ITIA for conducting a doping test before his match at the Davis Cup 2023. While the Serbian is facing criticism from one section of tennis fans, he has his defenders too. Nevertheless, amid all this debate, Djokovic himself has explained his frustration about a doping test before a game.

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Novak Djokovic at Davis Cup 2023 (Image via CNN)

The 24-time Grand Slam winner has explained his outburst saying something of this sort has never happened to him in his 20-year career. Djokovic said that he was shocked to see the anti-doping controller seeking blood and urine samples before the start of the match. The 36-year-old said that he has his pre-match routines and any disturbance like donating blood or urine during that time affects him. 

It’s the first time it’s happened to me. It doesn’t make sense to do it when I’ll be there after the match. They gave me an hour and a half’s notice. I have my pre-match routines and I don’t have to think at that point about donating blood or urine. I’ve always defended controls, but not before matches. There’s nothing to hide, but there have to be certain limits.
Novak Djokovic said after his match against Cameron Norrie.

It is worth mentioning that Serbia’s current captain Viktor Troicki was banned for 18 months in 2013 after failing to provide a blood sample, although he did give the urine sample. However, Djokovic is safe considering he gave what was asked after the match against Norrie.

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