Australian Open: Four people interrogated, father Djokovic causes a stir
Police in Melbourne interrogated four people on Wednesday evening after they allegedly presented Russian flags and threatened security forces on the Australian Open grounds. According to reports by The Age and Herald Sun, a flag was said to have featured Vladimir Putin's face.
by SID
last edit: Jan 26, 2023, 08:32 am
An incident involving the father of title favorite Novak Djokovic is causing a stir at the Australian Open: Srdjan Djokovic is said to have been filmed with fans displaying a Russian flag and pro-Russian symbols after his son's semi-finals in Melbourne. This is reported by Australian media unanimously.
The incident happened after the 6: 1, 6: 2, 6: 4 victory of the Serbian title favorite Novak Djokovic against the Russian Andrey Rublev on a staircase to the Rod Laver Arena. Tournament organizer Tennis Australia wrote 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 the security and law enforcement agencies together."
Tennis Australia is cooperating with the authorities
Ukrainian Ambassador to Australia and New Zealand Vasyl Myroshnychenko tweeted "shame" over the video, which was posted on a pro-Russian Australian YouTube account. "It's the complete package," Myroshnychenko wrote. "In addition to Serbian flags, there are: a Russian flag, Putin, the Z symbol, the flag of the so-called Donetsk People's Republic."
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.