Marion Bartoli has lashed out on British media for their disgusting and shameful treatment of Novak Djokovic who they have once again put on unjustified trial.
Djokovic is facing heavy criticism from some press quarters of British media for not being able to provide a urine sample to an anti-doping agency official during the Davis Cup.
The 36-year-old expressed his anger over the weekend after he was informed just 30 minutes prior to a doping test before his quarterfinal clash against Britain’s Cameron Norrie. Djokovic eventually provided a sample but criticized the timing of the demand for a test by agency.
He also highlighted the unprofessional behavior of the agent charged with the matter, stating: “I argued with him because that hasn’t happened to me in my 20-year career. He sat in a corner and followed me for hours. It was outrageous. I’ve always defended controls, but not before matches.
“There’s nothing to hide, but there have to be certain limits.”
According to initial media reports Djokovic refused to give the sample requested by the authorities while there was even a call to suspend the 24-time Grand Slam champion but the International Tennis Integrity (ITIA) has since denied any such scenario.
“The first thing to say is that Djokovic did not refuse the test. The rules state that when a player is notified, they must provide a sample as soon as they can,” a statement read.
Bartoli echoed Djokovic’s sentiments about the regulations on providing a urine sample prior to a match.
Speaking on Les Grandes Gueules du Sport – RMC, the Frenchwoman said: “When you know you’re going to have a doping test, you have someone following you all day.
“As soon as you leave the court, he follows you, he is in the locker room when you take your shower. And if you can’t go to the bathroom he accompanies you to a press conference until you can urinate.
“So I don’t see what difference it makes whether it’s done before or after, especially since after the matches the urinary concentration is greater because during the match there is a dehydration effect.”
2013 Wimbledon champion said also hit out at the British media for their unfair “trial” against the World No. 1.
Bartoli added: “The ‘trial’ that people have tried to bring against Djokovic is linked to the British press, which has no knowledge of anything, and which takes the liberty of accusing players. It’s disgusting, shameful and completely unjustified.”