Angry Novak Djokovic reveals what REALLY happened on controversial break in play that saw him accused of pulling rank on an umpire at the Australian Open
- Novak Djokovic has revealed he didn’t ‘pull rank’ in first round match on Tuesday
- Serbian, 35, clarified on social media he was given permission to go to the toilet
- Wasn’t classified as toilet break, told to ‘hurry’ up by chair umpire Aurelie Tourte
A frustrated Novak Djokovic has revealed what actually unfolded in his first round match at the Australian Open after he was accused of ‘pulling rank’ on a chair umpire.
Posting a series of stories on Instagram on Thursday, the 35-year-old refuted suggestions he went rogue in the first set during his match against Spain’s Roberto Carballés Baena, which he won in straight sets on Tuesday night.
It followed Eurosport tweeting ‘Novak Djokovic defied the umpire (Aurelie Tourte) to take an early bathroom break in his first match at the Australian Open.’
That explosive suggestion prompted an angry Djokovic to clarify the matter.
‘Eurosport please get your informations (sic) checked before you post something judgmental and wrong.’
Novak Djokovic has revealed what really happened in his first round match at the Australian Open where he was accused of ‘pulling rank’ on an umpire
The 35-year-old then called out Eurosport for their ‘judgmental and wrong’ reporting
Djokovic told the umpire Hello? Hello? Hello? I need to go to toilet’ and then left the court – it wasn’t clear if he got a response from Tourte
Aussie tennis legend Mark Woodforde accused the Serbian star of ‘pulling rank’ on the umpire – with his fellow former star John Fitzgerald saying he had ‘gone off without permission’
The 21-time Grand Slam winner then posted again, writing: ‘Chair umpire allowed me to go to toilet but she told me I don’t have toilet break, just change over break.
‘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.’
The 21-time Grand Slam winner then clarified the matter in detail for his many fans
‘Joker’ said he received ‘so much love’ from the crowd: ‘I could not ask for a better start of the tournament in terms of support’
Wide World of Sports also incorrectly tweeted ‘Novak Djokovic asks to the leave the court, the umpire says (no), Novak leaves anyway!
When the ‘incident’ unfolded, Aussie doubles great Mark Woodforde suggested in commentary Djokovic was using his status and ‘pulling rank’.
‘He needs to go to the toilet? After five games?’ Nine commentator and tennis great John Fitzgerald asked.
Woodforde responded: ‘Well I think he’s actually just pulled rank there as well. I think the official was trying to pull him back.’
Djokovic faces Enzo Couacaud for a spot in the third round on Thursday night.
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