Australian Open: Russia chants and Putin flags cause a stir
Unpleasant scenes during Wednesday's night session at the Australian Open.
by Florian Goosmann
last edit: Jan 25, 2023, 08:03 pm
During the match between Novak Djokovic and Andrey Rublev , several men waved flags with Russian symbols, including one with the image of Vladimir Putin on it.
Also seen was a man wearing a T-shirt with a "Z" - the "Z" is one of several marks on the military vehicles used by the Russian forces invading Ukraine. It is now also used as a sign of support for aggressive warfare.
After the match, a group of people also gathered and chanted "Serbia! Russia!", also with corresponding flags.
Several men were then questioned by the Australian police, it is said.
Australian Open: Russian and Belarusian flags banned
Bringing Russian and Belarusian flags to the Australian Open is prohibited. In contrast to the tournament in Wimbledon last year, Russian and Belarusian players are eligible to play.
In the women's tournament, two Belarusian players, Aryna Sabalenka and Victoria Azarenka, are represented, in the men's tournament Karen Khachanov (Russia) is in the semi-finals.
laver arena