Novak Djokovic’s father Srdjan was filmed posing for photos with supporters of Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Australian Open.
Srdjan Djokovic was photographed with a man who held a Russian flag bearing Putin’s face and wearing a T-shirt printed with the pro-war symbol Z.
Russian and Belarusian flags and symbols have been banned from Melbourne Park since a Russian flag was displayed during a match between Ukraine’s Kateryna Baindl and Russia’s Kamilla Rakhimova on the opening day.
There was a show of support for Putin following Djokovic’s quarter-final win over Russia’s Andrey Rublev on Wednesday night.
A Russian flag bearing the image of Putin was unfurled outside the Rod Laver Arena by a group of supporters in Serbian colours. Chanting their support for Russia, some had the flag of Serbia wrapped around their shoulders.
In a statement, Tennis Australia said: “A small group of people displayed inappropriate flags and symbols and threatened security guards after a game on Wednesday night and were sent off.
“A client is now helping the police with unrelated questions.
“Players and their teams have been informed and reminded of the event’s policy regarding flags and symbols and to avoid any potentially disruptive situation. We continue to work closely with security and enforcement agencies from the law.”
In 2022, Russian and Belarusian players were banned from competition at Wimbledon because of the invasion of Ukraine.
Thursday’s women’s semi-finals will feature two Belarus players, Victoria Azarenka and Aryna Sabalenka, who could still meet in the final.
On Friday, Russia’s Karen Khachanov will contest the men’s semi-finals, although all three will be forced to compete under a neutral flag.
Djokovic’s representatives have been approached for comment.
