Australian Open: Novak Djokovic defends himself against allegations of unauthorized toilet breaks

Enlarge image

Novak Djokovic

Photo: Uncredited / dpa

Tennis star Novak Djokovic has publicly defended himself against the allegation of unauthorized toilet breaks at the Australian Open in Melbourne.

The Serbian tournament favorite disappeared into the toilet in the middle of the first set during his opening win last Tuesday against Spaniard Roberto Carballés Baena, causing confusion.

Djokovic wrote in an Instagram post that he "didn't challenge" referee Aurélie Tourte about the rules: "She gave me permission and said I had to hurry."

The referee explained to him that this was not a toilet break, but a change break.

Djokovic explained that the Frenchwoman was yelling after him when he left the square: "It was to tell me that there was a toilet on the opposite side of the square."

Among other things, Eurosport had reported on its English-language website about an unauthorized visit to the toilet because the 21-time Grand Slam tournament winner did not wait for the referee's okay.

Djokovic asked the broadcaster to be "more careful" with publishing such messages.

“You have a responsibility to many sports fans who follow your side.” The thumbs up that he left at the end of his post proved that the 35-year-old is probably not resentful.

The regulations make toilet breaks between sets possible, but do not rule out a break in urgent cases between games.

On his return to the Australian Open, Novak Djoković had signed into the tournament with an impressive performance.

After a little over two hours, he won against the Spaniard Roberto Carballés Baena 6:3, 6:4, 6:0.

Djokovic is aiming for his tenth title in Melbourne.

ara/dpa