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Novak Djokovic defeated Roberto Carballes Baena 6-3, 6-4, 6-0 in the Australian Open first round. Novak needed a toilet break after only 25 minutes, informing the chair umpire Aurelie Tourte about that. For some reason, Eurosport posted a video and suggested that Novak defied the referee.
A 21-time Major champion shared a post on social media to clear up the situation and explain what happened. Djokovic was unhappy about how Eurosport presented the entire case, calling them to be more responsible toward their fans.
Novak has been dealing with a left leg injury since Adelaide, stretching a bit against the Spaniard in the second set but keeping everything under control. Carballes Baena fought well in the opening two sets, dropping serve once in each and fading from the court in the third to push world no.
5 into the second round. Novak fired nine aces and defended all three break chances to mount pressure on the other side. The Serb fired 41 winners and 21 unforced errors, taming his strokes nicely and delivering impressive shotmaking in the third.
Djokovic grabbed 47% of the return points and converted them into five breaks. The Spaniard stayed in touch in the first part of the opening set before the Serb grabbed a break at love in game six with a forehand down the line winner.
Djokovic served well after that and landed an ace at 5-3 to claim the opener in 42 minutes. Novak stood strong in his service games in the second set and waited for return chances.
Novak Djokovic explained what happened against Roberto Carballes Baena.
A nine-time champion stole the rival's serve at 3-3 and delivered two holds at love to wrap up the set 6-4 and move closer to the finish line.
Carballes Baena had nothing more left in the tank, failing to maintain his level and experiencing a bagel in the third set. Novak turned it into a one-person affair, taking 24 out of 28 points and playing impressive tennis that saw him losing four points!
Djokovic broke in the first game with a volley winner at the net and landed another at 2-0 for a double break. The Serb placed a return winner for 5-0 and held at love in the next one with a service winner for a winning start.
"Chair umpire allowed me to go to the toilet, but she told me I did not have a toilet break but a change over break. So she told me (you did not capture that with a camera) I had to hurry up. When I almost exited the court, she called me (I did not hear) to tell me that the toilet was on the opposite side of the court.
I found one where I went, and I had to be quick because of the time. I did not 'defy' her or the rules. She permitted me and told me to be quick. Next time be mindful with what you post. You are responsible for many sports fans following your page," Novak Djokovic said.