CNN
–
Australian Open After the video was released on Wednesday, he told CNN that he had issued a “notice and reminder” to the players and their friends about the tournament’s “policy regarding flags and signs.” Novak DjokovicHis father, Srdjan, is pictured with supporters holding the Russian flag, expressing his support for Russia.
In a video posted on YouTube by a prominent Vladimir Putin supporter, Serjan Djokovic can be seen posing with a fan outside Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena. The man wears a “Z” on his shirt and holds a Russian flag with Putin’s face on it. “Long live Russia,” he says.
It is the symbol of “Z”. It is considered a sign of support for RussiaIncluding the invasion of Ukraine. The symbol appeared on Russian equipment and clothing in Ukraine.
CNN had both Novak and Serjan Djokovic comment.
“Players and their teams have been briefed and reminded of the event’s policy regarding flags and signs to avoid potential distractions,” an Australian Open spokesperson told CNN on Thursday.
“We will continue to work closely with event security and law enforcement agencies.”
A spokesperson for the Australian Open continued: “Following the match on Wednesday night, a few people were ejected for displaying inappropriate flags and signs and threatening security. A fan is now helping the police with unrelated matters.
Ukraine’s ambassador to Australia on Friday urged the tennis star to explain his stance on the fight, saying the incident was “disgusting” and that “Novak will shine a negative light on himself to make the semi-finals”.
“I think it’s important to make a very strong statement about where he stands and this fight, and I want to apologize to Novak Djokovic to dispel speculation,” Ukrainian Ambassador Vasyl Myroshnichenko told CNN.
“Of course the son can’t be held responsible for his father’s sins, but maybe he has the same attitude as his father. I think he needs to know where the world stands.”
Tennis Australia has confirmed that four people who were disqualified from the tournament on Wednesday showed pro-war images.
According to the rules of the Australian Open Russian and Belarusian flags are prohibited from the event.
Tennis Australia has a “neutral flag” policy, a policy it re-emphasised during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.