Djokovic’s pro-Russian Father won’t support his son at Australian Championships
2023.01.27 02:09
Djokovic’s pro-Russian Father won’t support his son at Australian Championships
By Kristina Sobol
Budrigannews.com – Srdjan Djokovic said on Friday that he would not attend his son Novak Djokovic’s Australian Open semi-final and would instead “watch from home” after a video of him posing with Russian flag-waving fans at Melbourne Park was released.
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reaffirmed Australia’s support for Ukraine and criticized Russian invasion supporters on Friday after the video sparked controversy.
“I’m only here to help my son. In an email, Srdjan Djokovic said:
“I had no intention of causing such headlines or disruption.”
“I have chosen to watch from home so there is no disruption to tonight’s semi-final for my son or the other player,”
Albanese told a news conference:
“I will make this point, that Australia stands with the people of Ukraine,” after a reporter asked if Srdjan Djokovic should be deported after he was seen taking pictures with Russian flag-waving fans.
“That is Australia’s position, and Australia supports the rule of international law without reservation.
“We do not want to see any support given to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which is having a devastating effect on the people of Ukraine,” the statement reads.
When asked if Srdjan Djokovic ought to be deported, Albanese did not respond directly.
According to Tennis Australia, the event’s organizers, four fans who were seen carrying “inappropriate flags and symbols” were questioned by police following Wednesday’s quarterfinal match between favorite Djokovic and Russia’s Andrey Rublev.
At the Australian Open of last year, the Serbian player, who was at the center of a storm of controversy regarding his COVID-19 vaccination status, has not commented on the incident, and his spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
A fan on the Rod Laver Arena steps was seen in a video that went viral on social media holding up a Russian flag with a picture of President Vladimir Putin on it.
One fan was also depicted in photos wearing a shirt with a large “Z.” Following their invasion of Ukraine, Russian forces have used the letter as an identifying symbol on their vehicles. The sign has been used by some invasion supporters as well.
In some posts, Srdjan Djokovic was seen posing with Russian supporters.
Following the release of the video of Djokovic’s father, the organizers of the Australian Open issued a reminder to players and their entourages regarding their flag policy on Thursday.
“Continue to strive for the safety of fans at the event and reiterate our position banning flags from Belarus and Russia,” Tennis Australia stated on Friday.
At the Australian Open, Russian and Belarusian athletes can compete as individuals without national affiliation, but their flags are prohibited from the grounds of the tournament after a complaint from Ukraine’s ambassador last week.
Due to his lack of COVID-19 vaccination, Djokovic was deported just before the tournament the year before, and he was also given a three-year Australian travel ban.
In November, that restriction was lifted, allowing him to compete this year.
Djokovic will proceed with his bid for a record-expanding tenth Australian Open title and 22nd Huge homerun crown to match Rafa Nadal when he takes on unseeded American Tommy Paul in their semi-last later on Friday.
