‘I had no intention of being caught up in this,’ said Srdjan Djokovic, who was pictured posing with a fan holding a pro-Putin flag.
TENNIS STAR NOVAK Djokovic’s father said he will stay away from his son’s Australian Open semi-final Friday, insisting he “wishes only for peace” after being filmed with fans holding Russian flags.
Srdjan Djokovic said he was outside with his son’s fans “as I have done after all of my son’s matches to celebrate his wins and take pictures with them”.The tennis great’s father said he had decided to watch on television to avoid “disruption” for his son or his semi-finals opponent, American Tommy Paul.Ukraine’s ambassador to Australia, Vasyl Myroshnychenko, had called for Srdjan Djokovic to be stripped of his accreditation.
Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk, who lost in the women’s doubles semi-final, said the behaviour was hurtful but was reluctant to comment on whether Djokovic’s father should be banned. Myroshnychenko said the player’s response to the latest controversy would again draw attention away from what was happening on the court.
Russia’s embassy in Australia had hit back at the ban, calling it “another example of unacceptable politicisation of sports”.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Australian Open: Stefanos Tsitsipas beats Karen Khachanov to reach maiden finalThird seed awaits winner of Djokovic vs Paul in tournament decider
Read more »
Djokovic father filmed with fans holding Russian flags at Australian OpenThe Serbian star had just booked his place in the tournament semi-final with a straight-sets thumping of Russia’s Andrey Rublev.
Read more »
Novak Djokovic tears Andrey Rublev apart to reach Australian Open semi-finalsThe Serb has now won a record-equalling 26 consecutive matches at the tournament
Read more »
Red-hot Djokovic crushes Rublev to make Australian Open semi-finalsThe Serb’s bid for a 22nd Grand Slam title – and record-extending 10th Australian Open crown – continues.
Read more »
Tsitsipas in dreamland after reaching Australian Open final at fourth attemptThe third seed will face either nine-time champion Novak Djokovic or American Tommy Paul in the decider.
Read more »
IOC gives green light for Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete in ParisRussian and Belarusian athletes will have to compete under a neutral flag at the 2024 Olympics.
Read more »