Four Australian Open spectators have been questioned by police after Russian flags were waved and security guards were allegedly threatened.
But Russian flags – including one with President Vladimir Putin’s face on it – were seen in Melbourne Park.
Police intervened after Russian Andrey Rublev lost to Serbian Novak Djokovic, according to a statement from tournament organizers.
A fan also wore a t-shirt with the letter “Z” – a pro-war symbol of President Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
Photographs show the man talking to an Australian Open official at the Rod Laver Arena.
“Four people in the crowd leaving the stadium revealed inappropriate flags and symbols and threatened security guards,” Tennis Australia, which organizes the tournament, said in a statement.
“Victoria Police have intervened and are continuing to question them.
“Everyone’s comfort and safety is our priority and we work closely with security and the authorities.”
Russian and Belarusian athletes have been unable to play under their countries’ flags in several sports, including tennis, since the start of the invasion of Ukraine in February last year.
While players from both countries compete under a neutral white flag at the Australian Open, they have been banned altogether from playing at Wimbledon in 2022.
Australian Open spectators were initially allowed to bring Russian and Belarusian flags to Melbourne Park provided they did not cause “disturbance”.
But organizers reversed the decision last week after fans unfurled a Russian flag during a match between Ukraine’s Kateryna Baindl and Russia’s Kamilla Rakhimova.
