Nine-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic has doubled down on his criticism of a major European broadcaster in a withering rant, demanding a public apology and complaining he is the target of a ‘public lynching’.
In the superstar’s first-round match, Djokovic dashed off court in the opening set to take an early bathroom break after a brief discussion with the umpire.
Eurosport tweeted: “Novak Djokovic defied the umpire to take an early bathroom break in his first match at the Australian Open (eyes emoji)” while commentator Mark Petchey suggested he was using his status and “pulling rank”.
“He needs to go to the toilet? After five games?” Nine commentator and tennis great John Fitzgerald said in commentary for Nine.
Petchey responded: “Well I think he’s actually just pulled rank there as well. I think the official was trying to pull him back.”
After the…
