After Novak Djokovic gave a lesson to Russian Andrei Rublev on the pitch, his father Srdjan took part in a pro-Russia demonstration.
Melbourne - In Melbourne, the Ukraine war is far away - and yet so close.
Before the women's semi-finals, Vladimir Putin cast a long shadow over the "Happy Slam" in midsummer in Australia.
Russian flags and battle cries, the likeness of the aggressor from the Kremlin and symbols of war at the Australian Open - once again it was shown that sport and politics cannot be separated.
Not even at the other end of the world.
Novak Djokovic |
Born: May 22, 1987 (age 35), Belgrade, Serbia |
Grand Slam wins: 21 |
Australian Open wins: 9th |
Novak Djokovic's father attends pro-Putin demo
Srdjan Djokovic, among others, caused a stir.
The father of the Serbian record champion Novak Djokovic played an inglorious role in the pro-Putin demonstration.
On a video he is standing next to a man who has the sign "Z" on his shirt.
The "Z" symbol is considered a sign of support for Russia, especially in relation to the war of aggression against Ukraine.
As a result, the organizer of the Australian Open was forced to make a statement: "Players and their teams have been briefed on the event guidelines with regard to flags and symbols and reminded to avoid all situations that have the potential for disruptions."
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Novak Djokovic's father Srdjan (far left) took part in a pro-Russia demonstration.
© Twitter/Imago/Schreyer
Australian Open: Ukraine war can also be felt in Melbourne
Some fans were questioned by Australian police after Djokovic's impressive win against Rublev (6-2, 6-1, 6-2) for "displaying inappropriate flags and symbols and threatening security personnel".
Ukrainian Ambassador to Australia Vasyl Miroshnychenko tweeted: "It's such a shame."
The father of tennis star Novak Djokovic is under fire for posing with pro-Russian fans at the Australian Open.
It's sparked a new political storm, as spectators clashed with security guards.
https://t.co/b3nAU1JF34 #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/ieZoVIJ2il
— 7NEWS Australia (@7NewsAustralia) January 26, 2023
Unlike in Wimbledon, for example, Russian and Belarusian players are allowed to start under a neutral flag in Melbourne.
The IOC is also about to relax the sanctions against athletes from Russia and Belarus.
"Such incidents" have nothing to do with the players, said the Belarusian after her defeat against the Russian-born Jelena Rybakina, who now starts for Kazakhstan.
Azarenka, visibly annoyed, dodged questions about Russian flags and war symbols on the site, no matter what she said, it would be used against her.
discussion ended.
At least in the short term.
(epp/SID)
List of rubrics: © Twitter/Imago/Schreyer
