Andy Roddick feels Novak Djokovic referring to media criticism as 'lynching' was uncalled for, says Serb was "melodramatic"
Andy Roddick feels Novak Djokovic's choice of words to refer to media criticism towards him was "really, really bad".
Djokovic recently clarified his stance on the 'bathroom break row' at the 2023 Australian Open, and accused the media of "publicly lynching" him. But according to Roddick, the Serb's use of the word 'lynching' for criticism over a bathroom break was "melodramatic."
After his first-round match, Djokovic reacted to a report suggesting that he had defied the chair umpire's orders to go for an unsanctioned bathroom break during the match. The Serb asserted that reality was far from what was conveyed. He further expressed his dissatisfaction at being criticized for a virtual non-issue and questioned the ATP and Australian Open organizers for not coming to his defense while the media was "lynching" him.
Another controversial moment involving Djokovic during his second-round match saw him having an animated discussion with the chair umpire. The Serb was demanding the removal of a few fans from the stadium, who were unnecessarily having a go at him.
Roddick praised Djokovic for handling the noisy fans matter with clarity and calm, but felt that he could have handled the 'bathroom break' row a lot better than he did.
"As well as he handled the above situation on video, his word choice of lynching when referring someone writing a bad article about going pee pee, was really really bad," Andy Roddick wrote on Twitter.
Novak handled this as well as he could have. Was clear about explaining this issue, and calm when asking how ref was gonna help w a solution twitter.com/eurosport/statโฆ
And as well as he handled the above situation on video, his word choice of lynching when referring someone writing a bad article about going pee pee, was really really bad
When a fan accused Roddick of taking Djokovic's words too seriously, the American responded that criticism for a bathroom break and something as serious as lynching simply couldn't be compared.
"Comparing criticism for a pee pee break to a public death without trial is melodramatic whenever you live. I understand labeling something woke is easier than arguing on the merits. Simply, criticism for a tinkle isnโt comparable to a public lynching," Roddick stated.
@andyroddick Sorry, but we cannot hold the world up to the same narrow parameters of the current "woke" movement in America. The rest of the world are allowed to use words like lynch, field, et al without worrying about the woke police.
@petals1031 Comparing criticism for a pee pee break to a public death without trial is melodramatic whenever you live. I understand labeling something woke is easier than arguing on the merits. Simply, criticism for a tinkle isnโt comparable to a public lynching
Novak Djokovic goes hard at ATP and Tennis Australia for not coming out in his support
Soon after his first-round match against Roberto Carballes Baena, Novak Djokovic clarified his stance on the 'bathroom break row' by revealing that he did not "defy the chair umpire's orders" and that the umpire had allowed him to take a break. Additionally, Djokovic stated that what seemed like chair umpire Aurelie Tourte calling him to warn him about wasting time was simply her calling him to tell him that the toilet was on the other side of the court.
Having given his clarification, the Serb went on to slam the ATP and Australian Open authorities, particularly the men's tennis governing body. Djokovic claimed that the ATP and Australian Open never come to his defense despite him facing "continuous" criticism from the media.
"Again, I am publicly asking a question: why didnโt the ATP or the Grand Slam come out and explain the situation when they can see that the media are publicly lynching me?" Djokovic said in a press conference after his second-round victory. "This has been happening continuously, there have been many situations like this one โ but in the end nothing, itโs all the same."
"At the end of the day, if we are members of this tour, surely there has to be some responsibility towards the players, some sort of protection. But no, โyou do what you want and roast him as much as you want in media, while we remain silent'," the world No. 4 added.
On the tennis front, the nine-time champion, who is struggling with a nagging left hamstring injury, will face Australia's Alex de Minaur in the fourth round on Monday night. He is four wins away from a record-equalling 22nd Grand Slam men's singles title.