Z symbol at Australian Open
Djokovic father poses with Putin supporters
01/26/2023 8:13 am
Actually, Russian flags are banned at the Australian Open. Around the quarter-final match between Novak Djokovic and Andrej Rublew, however, several symbols appear that are to be understood as supporting the Russian war of aggression. Djokovic’s father doesn’t seem to mind.
An incident involving the father of title favorite Novak Djokovic is causing a stir at the Australian Open: Srdjan Djokovic was apparently filmed after his son’s semi-finals in Melbourne with fans displaying a Russian flag and pro-Russian symbols. This is reported by Australian media unanimously.
A video shows Srdjan Djokovic alongside a man holding up a Russian flag with Vladimir Putin’s face on it and wearing a T-shirt with a large Z symbol, a sign of support for Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine.
The incident happened after the 6:1, 6:2, 6:4 victory of the Serbian favorite for the title against the Russian Andrei 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.”
Ukrainian Ambassador to Australia and New Zealand Vasyl Myroshnychenko tweeted a “disgrace” to the video 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 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.
Spectators are no longer allowed to carry Russian or Belarusian flags at the first Grand Slam of the year after a minor incident at the start of the tournament. Since Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, Russian and Belarusian players have competed under a neutral flag.
