Novak Djokovic’s father to watch Australian Open semi-final from home

Srdjan Djokovic will watch his son Novak’s Australian Open semi-final from dwelling to keep away from inflicting “disruption” after being pictured with supporters of Russian president Vladimir Putin.

9-time champion Novak faces American Tommy Paul in Melbourne on Friday.

“I’m right here to assist my son solely,” Srdjan mentioned in an announcement.

The pictures of Srdjan additionally featured a person carrying a T-shirt printed with the pro-war Z image following Djokovic’s quarter-final victory.

Russian and Belarusian flags and symbols have been banned at Melbourne Park since a Russian flag was displayed throughout a match between Ukraine’s Kateryna Baindl and Russia’s Kamilla Rakhimova on the opening day.

Srdjan mentioned: “I used to be exterior with Novak’s followers as I’ve executed in spite of everything of my son’s matches to have a good time his wins and take footage with them. I had no intention of being caught up on this.

“My household has lived by means of the horror of warfare, and we want just for peace.

“So there is no such thing as a disruption to [the] semi-final for my son or for the opposite participant, I’ve chosen to observe from dwelling.

“I want for an ideal match and I will likely be cheering for my son, as all the time.”

Earlier than Srdjan confirmed he wouldn’t be attending the semi-final, Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reiterated the nation’s stance on pro-Russian protests.

“I’ll make this level, that Australia stands with the individuals of Ukraine. That’s Australia’s place and Australia is unequivocal in our assist for the rule of worldwide legislation,” Albanese mentioned at a information convention on Friday.

“We don’t wish to see any assist given to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.”

Albanese didn’t reply on to a query about whether or not Srdjan ought to be deported.

Tennis Australia mentioned in an announcement it “stands with the decision for peace and an finish to warfare and violent battle in Ukraine”.

It added: “All through the occasion we have spoken with gamers and their groups in regards to the significance of not partaking in any exercise that causes misery or disruption.

“We’ll proceed to attempt for the security of followers on the occasion and reiterate our place banning flags from Belarus and Russia.”

Ukraine’s Kostyuk upset by seeing Russia flags

Ukrainian participant Marta Kostyuk has been one of the vital vocal in talking out in regards to the warfare and she or he mentioned seeing Russian flags being waved by supporters of Putin at Melbourne Park “hurts loads”.

“I do not perceive how this may be potential,” added the 20-year-old, who was crushed within the girls’s doubles semi-finals on Friday.

Kostyuk was born in Ukrainian capital Kyiv, which has been a focus of Russian assaults because the nation invaded its neighbour in February 2022.

The world quantity 61 has usually highlighted the devastating affect on Ukrainians brought on by Russia’s actions.

“It hurts loads as a result of there have been particular guidelines; you are not allowed to herald the flags,” mentioned Kostyuk, who additionally reached the third spherical of the singles.

“It actually hurts that they have been there for fairly a while. These form of issues shouldn’t be seen. It’s extremely upsetting.”

Kostyuk additionally desires the ban imposed by Wimbledon final yr on Russian and Belarusian gamers to stay in place this yr.

The All England Membership has but to announce a call for the Championships, which start on 3 July.

Requested if Russian and Belarusian gamers ought to be stopped from competing once more, she mentioned: “I believe sure. As a result of I can not think about if somebody Russian or Belarusian wins the event after which royal household has to carry the trophies with them.

“I hardly think about this. This is without doubt one of the large causes they really banned them. So I believe sure.”