Novak Djokovic’s father, Srdjan, did not attend his son’s victory within the semifinals of the Australian Open on Friday. Srdjan Djokovic was seen posing with spectators that introduced in banned Russian flags to Melbourne Park earlier within the week.
According to the Associated Press, Srdjan Djokovic launched a press release saying that he would not be in attendance, “so there isn’t a disruption.” Novak Djokovic ended up defeating Tommy Paul 7-5, 6-1, 6-2 as a way to advance to the boys’s singles ultimate, which will likely be performed on Sunday.
Following the semifinal win, Novak Djokovic got here to his father’s protection by saying he had “completely no intention in anyway to help any sort of warfare initiatives or something like that” and that he was sorry that the scenario “escalated a lot.” He additionally acknowledged that he wasn’t certain if his father could be in attendance for Sunday’s ultimate.
“Throughout the occasion, we have spoken with gamers and their groups concerning the significance of not partaking in any exercise that causes misery or disruption,” Tennis Australia mentioned in a press release following the scenario involving Srdjan Djokovic. “We will proceed to attempt for the protection of followers on the occasion and reiterate our place banning flags from Belarus and Russia. Tennis Australia stands with the decision for peace and an finish to warfare and violent battle in Ukraine.”
During Djokovic’s quarterfinal match in opposition to Russia’s Andrey Rublev, Srdjan Djokovic may very well be seen standing with a gaggle that was waving Russian flags outdoors of the principle stadium. One of these males was displaying a photograph of Vladimir Putin.
Four individuals had been kicked out of the Grand Slam match for bringing in a Russian flag and for threatening safety guards, in accordance with police.
This comes after Tennis Australia modified their coverage of permitting spectators to show flags of assorted international locations at Melbourne Park. On Jan. 17, Tennis Australia introduced that followers aren’t permitted to herald Russian and Belarusian flags within the wake of Russia’s warfare with Ukraine.
Over the final yr, Russian and Belarusian athletes had been banned from competing altogether in occasions comparable to the boys’s World Cup, Wimbledon, the Billie Jean King Cup and Davis Cup on account of the warfare in Ukraine. Russian and Belarusian gamers had been allowed to take part within the Australian Open, French Open and US Open, however should achieve this as “impartial athletes.”
