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Novak Djokovic’s father, Srdjan, won’t attend his son’s Australian Open semi-final against Tommy Paul on Friday evening.
The nine-time Australian Open winner’s father caused a stir after he was filmed posing for photos with fans carrying the banned Russian flag, featuring Vladimir Putin’s head, at Melbourne Park on Wednesday.
One of the men with Djokovic senior was wearing a T-shirt with a “Z” symbol on it – showing support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
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In response, the Ukrainian ambassador to Australia called for Srdjan Djokovic to be banned from the event.
Srdjan Djokovic released a statement on Friday to confirm he would not be attending the semi final so as not to cause a “disruption.”
“I am here to support my son only. I had no intention of causing such headlines or disruption,” Djokovic senior said.
“I was outside with Novak’s fans as I have done after all of my son’s matches to celebrate his wins and take pictures with them. I had no intention of being caught up in this.
“My family has lived through the horror of war, and we wish only for peace.
“So there is no disruption to tonight’s semi-final for my son or for the other player, I have chosen to watch from home.
“I wish for a great match and I will be cheering for my son, as always.”
The incident on Wednesday followed a decision by organisers earlier in the tournament to ban Russian and Belarusian flags from Melbourne Park.
Tennis Australia confirmed a group of spectators had been ejected on Wednesday for failing to
“A small group of people displayed inappropriate flags and symbols and threatened security guards following a match on Wednesday night and were evicted,” a TA statement read.
“One patron is now assisting police with unrelated matters.
“Players and their teams have been briefed and reminded of the event policy regarding flags and symbols and to avoid any situation that has the potential to disrupt.
“We continue to work closely with event security and law enforcement agencies.”
