Tennis star Novak Djokovic's father says he had no intention of causing "disruption" when he posed with a Russian flag outside the Australian Open.
On Wednesday night at Melbourne Park, following his son's quarter final win against Russian Andrey Rublev, Srdjan Djokovic was seen standing with a group displaying a Russian flag superimposed with Russian president Vladimir Putin's face.
Key points:
- Novak Djokovic's father has responded to controversy over his appearance in a video from outside the Australian Open where he was standing near a Russian flag
- Srdjan Djokovic says he was merely celebrating with his son's fans and did not intend to cause a stir
- He will not attend his son's Friday night match "so there is no disruption"
A video of the incident was later posted to YouTube.
"I am here to support my son only," Srdjan Djokovic said in a statement on Friday.
"I was outside with Novak's fans, as I have done after all of my son's matches, to celebrate his wins and take pictures with them. I had no intention of being caught up in this.
"My family has lived through the horror of war, and we wish only for peace.
"So there is no disruption to tonight's semi-final for my son or for the other player, I have chosen to watch from home."
One of the men in the video was wearing a T-shirt with the symbol "Z" — an emblem representing support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Russian and Belarusian flags were prohibited from the tournament during the first round match when a Russian flag was placed courtside.
The statement, which was released by Novak Djokovic's camp, said the tennis star had "no comments" to make on the incident.
Video labelled 'disgrace' by Ukranian ambassador
Tennis Australia on Friday evening reiterated its ban on Russian and Belarusian flags.
The organisation said it stood with "the call for peace and an end to war and violent conflict in Ukraine".
Earlier on Friday, Ukraine's ambassador to Australia called for Srdjan Djokovic to be banned from the Australian Open, saying the behaviour was "a disgrace".
Vasyl Myroshnychenko also said Novak Djokovic should clarify whether he personally supports the war in Ukraine.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the Australian government did not wish to see support for the Russian invasion.
And federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton labelled the incident "bizarre".
In March last year, Novak Djokovic pledged financial support to Ukrainian tennis player Sergiy Stakhovsky, who had joined the fight to protect his country from the Russian invasion.
"Thinking of you...hope all calms down soon," he said at the time.
"Please let me know what would be the best address to send help. Financial help, any other help as well."
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2023-01-27 05:30:54Z
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