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Srdjan Djokovic watching his son play
Photo: DAVID GRAY / AFP
An incident involving the father of title favorite Novak Djoković is causing a stir at the Australian Open: Srdjan Djoković is said to have been filmed after his son reached the semifinals in Melbourne with fans holding a Russian pro-Putin flag and pro-Russian symbols such as the "Z" displayed a symbol in support of the Russian war of aggression.
The Australian media report unanimously.
The incident happened after the 6: 1, 6: 2, 6: 4 victory of the Serbian title favorite Djokovic against the Russian Andrei Rublew on a staircase to the Rod Laver Arena.
The fans are said to have called the name of the Russian Kremlin ruler Vladimir Putin and "Russia Serbia".
Tournament organizer Tennis Australia said in a statement: "Players and their teams have been made aware of the rules regarding flags and symbols and have been reminded to avoid any situation that could lead to disruption.
We continue to work closely with security and law enforcement.”
Ukrainian Ambassador to Australia and New Zealand Vasyl Myroshnychenko tweeted "disgrace" over the video, which was posted on a pro-Russian Australian YouTube account.
"It's the complete package," Myroshnychenko wrote: "Besides Serbian flags, there are: a Russian flag, Putin, the Z symbol, the flag of the so-called Donetsk People's Republic."
Four people have been interrogated by the police
The organizers had previously confirmed on Wednesday evening that four people had been interrogated by the police.
Tennis Australia wrote of "inappropriate flags and symbols" in a statement on the incident.
The well-being and safety of everyone is a priority and we are cooperating closely with the security forces and authorities.
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