With his prowess and dominating performance, the Serbian tennis legend, Novak Djokovic outclassed the Spaniard, Roberto Carballés Baena in the first-round fixtures of the Australian Open. However, the former world No. 1 player was involved in a controversial incident during the match in Melbourne Park. The 21-time singles Grand Slam champion tried to get the attention of the chair umpire in order to inform that he need a toilet break.
Later on, one of the renowned tennis channels, Eurosport suggested that Djokovic ‘defied’ the umpire as he went off the court without even waiting for permission. However, the Serbian defended himself by saying that he was portrayed as the “villain” as the channel sensationalized something which was completely taken out of context. The tennis community took note of the incident while they showed their support and respect for Djokovic on social media.
Fans backed Novak Djokovic over the toilet break controversy
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The Serbian tennis legend has finally responded to the bizarre ‘toilet break’ incident for which he is being portrayed as the “villain” by the media channel. In his blunt response that he posted on his Instagram story, Novak Djokovic said that he was given the permission and the umpire also asked him to be quick.
While clearing the air surrounding the controversy, the 21-time singles Grand Slam champion slammed Eurosport for suggesting something that was completely out of context.
Novak Djokovic on Eurosport: "I'm an easy target to be the villain. That's how they portray me, for me that is now a normal occurrence, but I will not tolerate injustice. Usually I don’t react, even though I could have reacted a thousand times over different things in the past." pic.twitter.com/eoTUPUzWyk
— Mario Boccardi (@marioboc17) January 20, 2023
In his response, the former world No. 1 player also said, “I’m an easy target to be the villain.”
He also addressed the tennis authorities for not taking any action considering the whole situation. Djokovic stated, “Again, I am publicly asking a question: why didn’t the ATP or the Grand Slam come out and explain the situation, when they can see that the media are publicly lynching me?”
A slew of fans also came to know about his clarification over the bizarre incident. The tennis community further hailed the Serbian for taking a stand for himself while defying all the critics.
Notably, one of the fans said, “@DjokerNole finally speaking out and standing up for himself is everything. It’s gone on long enough.”
@DjokerNole finally speaking out and standing up for himself is everything. It’s gone on long enough. https://t.co/wedMQ9WsbJ
— PAOLO HIMOTHY NAPOLEON JAMES BANCHERO ENJOYER (@MagicFan90) January 20, 2023
Another fan praised him for slamming those media channels that have often disparaged him. The fan said, “So here for Nole’s ✨not taking any sh*t from the media✨ era 🤌🏼”
So here for Nole’s ✨not taking any shit from the media✨ era 🤌🏼 https://t.co/MZPUw8EuAP
— A✨ (@_fazahsn_) January 20, 2023
Other fans hailed him as “The f**king G.O.A.T.” and also said, “💪🏻 #Djokovic is a bada**!”
The fucking G.O.A.T. https://t.co/Y5R69z72BM
— Greg🐉🔥 (@BaizzOh) January 20, 2023
💪🏻 #Djokovic is a badass! https://t.co/46seLvjIr6
— thecommanderinchief1 (@thecommanderin1) January 20, 2023
Meanwhile, a fan compared the tennis star to the Portuguese soccer legend, Cristiano Ronaldo. Like Djokovic, he has also faced a lot of criticism from the media. Notably, the fan said, “The media is the same for djokovic and ronaldo i swear”
The media is the same for djokovic and ronaldo i swear https://t.co/bs6YwGS0MY
— Dr Dill Dough (Not a fuckboy) (@joshwa_vin) January 20, 2023
Others reacted in a similar way,
And even with all this shit around him, he is still standing and he is still the best🤌 https://t.co/PZa4Va3B4o
— Prisacariu Andreea (@IamPrisacariuA) January 20, 2023
Last night, my initial reaction was anger on behalf of Nole. Now, it’s more of a sadness and heartbreak. All these years of his unfair treatment seems to have taken its toll. My heart hurts for Nole. He never deserved any of these. #WeLoveYouNole https://t.co/XDtHPlTY2Z
— nolénutini (@themissprecy) January 20, 2023
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A man like him can never be villian…never https://t.co/QhgVqFHLgo
— Caffeine💫 (@Visual_Perspect) January 20, 2023
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What is your opinion on the entire controversy surrounding the Serbian tennis great? Let us know in the comments section.
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