Australian Open news 2023: Novak Djokovic hits back over criticism of toilet break

Novak Djokovic has accused a broadcaster of being “judgmental and wrong” after a post which said he “defied” a chair umpire by taking a toilet break in his first-round Australian Open win.

Novak Djokovic has hit back at an Australian Open broadcaster who said he “defied” the chair umpire by taking a toilet break five games into his first-round win.

The Serbian took to social media on Thursday to criticise Eurosport, who he said posted “something judgmental and wrong”.

On Wednesday, the broadcaster tweeted: “Novak Djokovic defied the umpire to take an early bathroom break in his first match at the Australian Open (eyes emoji)”

Djokovic was accused by commentator John Fitzgerald of “pulling rank”, but explained his version of events on his Instagram.

“Chair umpire allowed me to go to toilet but she told me I don’t have toilet break, just change over break,” he wrote.

“So she told me (you didn’t capture that with camera) I had to hurry up.

“When I almost exited the court she called me (I didn’t hear) and it was to tell me that toilet was on the opposite side of the court.

“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 with what you post. You have responsibility towards many sport fans that follow your page @eurosport.”

He also posted, with vision of his exchange with the umpire: “Eurosport please get your informations checked before you post something judgmental and wrong.”

Fair to say there’s no toilet humour in this spat then.

Novak Djokovic’s first Instagram post.

A section of Djokovic’s second Instagram post.

EARLIER: NOVAK SLAMMED FOR ‘PULLING RANK’

Novak Djokovic has been slammed by two Australian greats for ‘pulling rank’ during his first-round victory over Roberto Carbales Baena on Tuesday night.

But … when nature calls, what are you going to do?

Five games into his straight sets victory, Djokovic made an urgent dash to the bathroom inside Rod Laver Arena.

After several failed attempts to attract the attention of the chair umpire, Djokovic made a simple declaration.

“I’m going to the toilet,” he said.

No hall pass required if you’re a nine-time champion, it seems.

But that angered two Australian champions, and now commentators, including John Fitzgerald.

Novak Djokovic pulled rank to take an unscheduled bathroom break last night. Picture: Martin KEEP / AFP

“He needs to go to the toilet? After five games?” Nine commentator and tennis great Fitzgerald said.

“Well I think he’s actually just pulled rank there as well.”

“He’s just run off the court,” Fitzgerald later added.

“He’s gone off without permission, it seems.

“I mean, 3-2 in the first set?”

Whatever the case, the toilet break worked wonders for Djokovic – who was given a hero’s welcome during his straight sets win.

One of the most divisive men in tennis is already straight back in the good books at the Australian Open.

Any fears that Djokovic would be booed by the crowd over his anti-vaccination status were blown away the moment he stepped back on the Rod Laver Arena on Tuesday night.

The Serbian has played in front of plenty of hostile audiences during his tennis career but this definitely wasn’t one of them.

Instead, the pro-Djokovic crowd rolled out the red carpet for the former world No. 1, welcoming him back to Melbourne Park with open arms.

It was business as usual as he smashed Carballes Baena 6-3 6-4 6-0 then addressed the crowd to thank them for their support.

“Thank you for staying so late and also giving me such a welcoming reception,” he said.

“I’m very happy I am back in Australia, and on the court where I had the biggest successes of my career.

“This court is the most special court and I couldn’t ask for a better start for the tournament.”