Novak Djokovic has been accused of breaking the rules by defying the referee and leaving the court without permission during his first-round win at the Australian Open on Monday night.
The Grand Slam icon led Roberto Caballes Baena 3-2 in the first set as he tried – and apparently failed – to get the referee’s attention when he had to go to the toilet during the break.
“I need to go to the toilet. Hi? Hi? Hi? I have to go to the bathroom,” he told the match official – before turning and running up the tunnel to the bathroom when another official appeared to stop him leaving.
It was not clear if he received a reply from the referee.
Djokovic said hello to the referee? Hi? Hi? I have to go to the toilet” and then left the court – it was not clear if he received a reply from the officer
The referee could be heard telling another official that Djokovic risked a penalty if he didn’t return to the pitch immediately
Australian tennis legend Mark Woodforde was unimpressed in the commentary booth.
“I think he actually took the rank there,” said Woodforde. “I think that officer tried to withdraw it.”
Australian ex-star John Fitzgerald agreed, adding: “He just ran off the pitch.”
The referee then switched on her radio and said, “I’ll call the time in 15 seconds.”
“I think he took off without permission,” Fitzgerald said.
The referee then calls the time and can be heard telling another official that Djokovic could be penalized if he doesn’t return to the pitch promptly.
Australian tennis legend Mark Woodforde accused the Serbian star of “taking ranks” with the referee – fellow former star John Fitzgerald said he “left without permission”.
The 35-year-old avoided a penalty and beat Spaniard Roberto Caballes Baena in straight sets 6-3, 6-4, 6-0
The Serbian star then bounced back, seemingly in time to avoid a penalty.
Djokovic’s apparent rule-breaking hasn’t been a problem for tennis fans who have supported him online.
“Using the toilet is a basic human right…he shouldn’t have to ask for it and the violation is just the culmination of a power struggle,” Tracey Swarbick tweeted.
“People have to shit. Not allowing this can cause problems when it is urgent. Took 1 minute gosh,” added Joe Dee.
“If I was up all day drinking water and then playing a late game, hopefully there wouldn’t be drama if I peed in the toilet in a flash. Back in time, although Novak failed to catch Umpire’s attention,” wrote a third.
Another responder joked after Djokovic’s vaccination drama at last year’s Opens: “He just ducked out to get his 3rd Covid vaccination”.
The 35-year-old won the match 6-3, 6-4, 6-0 and praised the crowd after receiving a stormy reception despite being deported from Australia last year.
“So much support. So much love. I mean I couldn’t ask for a better start to the tournament in terms of support, in terms of how I felt on the pitch,” he said.
Some were worried Djokovic would get a harsh reception from the crowd after last year’s Covid deportation drama, but he was given a great reception on Tuesday night
‘Joker’ said he received ‘so much love’ from the crowd: ‘I couldn’t ask for a better start to the tournament in terms of support’
Djokovic had heavy strapping on his hamstring, which has worried him since the Adelaide International 1, and looked neat at times.
But after admitting he initially felt hesitant, he then turned up the aggression and eventually ripped 41 winners.
“I tested my leg a bit. In the beginning I was a bit tense, also mentally, to protect something that has been on my mind for the last 10 days.
“So I needed a little time to really get into the match and move more freely. The big sign was, the longer the game lasted, the better I felt, the better I moved.
“The leg is good. It’s not ideal, but it gets there. Today was a really good test.’