Novak Djokovic has hit back at suggestions he defied chair umpire Aurelie Tourte’s orders by going to the toilet during his first-round clash with Roberto Carballes Baena.
Just five games into the first set on Tuesday night, Djokovic grabbed his towel at the change of ends, and called, “Hello” to the chair umpire three times, before announcing he was going to the toilet.
He didn’t appear to be given permission but left the court anyway.
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“Well, I think he’s actually just pulled rank there as well. I think the official was trying to pull him back,” Mark Petchey said in commentary at the time.
Posting an Instagram story on Thursday afternoon, Djokovic stated he was permitted to go.
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“Chair umpire allowed me to go to [the] toilet, but she told me I don’t have [a] toilet break – just a change-over break,” he wrote.
“So she told me (you didn’t capture that with a 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 [the] 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.”
Djokovic then tagged European broadcaster Eurosport, saying they “have [a] responsibility towards many sports fans that follow [your] page.”
“Next time be mindful of what you post.
“Please get your information checked before you post something judgmental and wrong.”
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