NOVAK DJOKOVIC’s father posed with a Russian nationalist holding a flag with Vladimir Putin’s face on a day of shame at the Australian Open.
Moments after watching his son progress to the semi-finals with a straight sets win over Russian Andrey Rublev, Srdjan Djokovic was greeted by fans as he walked out the Rod Laver Arena.
Novak Djokovic’s father has come under fire for posing with a Russian nationalist
Srdjan Djokovic posed for snaps with supporters of Vladimir Putin
The incident is an unwelcome one for World No1 Djokovic
Players from Russia and Belarus are allowed to compete in tennis tournaments under a neutral flag but national symbols are forbidden due to the ongoing invasion of Ukraine that began in February 2022.
A three-minute 44-second YouTube video has now emerged alleging Srdjan, the dad of the nine-time Australian Open champion, made a “bold political statement”.
In the clip, posted by a user calling himself Aussie Cossack, a bearded pony-tailed man proudly holds the Russian flag with an image of the despised despot before shouting: “To our brothers in Moscow.”
As he walks off, it appears Srdjan says: “Long live the Russians!”
The same fan – who is wearing a T-shirt with the controversial pro-Putin Z symbol – is later seen on the steps to the biggest court on Melbourne Park.
The clip shows him and a group of fans shouting “Russia, Russia, Russia,” “Glory to Russia” and “For the Russian Empire brother”.
They also chanted “Putin, we love you” before security personnel intervened.
“Aussie Cossack” Simeon Boikov is an Australian pro-Putin YouTuber who has sought refuge at the Russian consulate in Sydney since last month.
He had been due in court on Wednesday charged with assaulting a 76-year-old man at a rally in support of Ukraine.
These scenes late on Wednesday evening had already been condemned as a “disgrace” by a top diplomat based in Aussie capital Canberra.
Vasyl Myroshnychenko, who is the Ukrainian ambassador to Australia and New Zealand, tweeted: “It’s a full package.
“Among the Serbian flags, there is: a Russian flag, Putin, Z-symbol, so-called Donetsk People’s Republic flag. It’s such a disgrace.”
During the match – which Djokovic comfortably won 6-1 6-2 6-4 – a fan was snapped in the stands with the Z logo on the front of his black T-shirt.
Former Ukrainian pro Alex Dolgopolov, who is now fighting in the war in his homeland, saw this photograph and tweeted: “This guy will get banned for life, at least for all Australian events, right? @AustralianOpen.”
Reacting to a video of the group of Russian fans on Wednesday evening, a Tennis Australia spokesperson said: “Four people in the crowd leaving the stadium revealed inappropriate flags and symbols and threatened security guards.
“Victoria Police intervened and are continuing to question them.
“The comfort and safety of everyone is our priority and we work closely with security and authorities.”
The Serb will be back in action on Friday morning in a semi-final clash with Tommy Paul
Victoria Police later added: “Police spoke to four men after a Russian flag was produced on the steps at the tennis about 10.20pm on Wednesday January 25. All four men were evicted.”
It is only 12 months ago that Djokovic – who is unvaccinated against Covid – was booted out of Australia following an immigration row.
Srdjan said at a Belgrade press conference following his son’s deportation from Melbourne in January 2022: “The attempt to assassinate the best athlete in the world has ended.
“50 bullets in Novak’s chest.”
This is not the first time the Russian tricolour has been seen at the first Slam of 2023 despite being deemed to be a prohibited item by security staff.
One individual held aloft the controversial flag during Ukrainian Kateryna Baindl’s three-set first-round win over Kamilla Rakhimova of Russia on Court 14.
Another one was unfurled on day two in the evening clash on Rod Laver Arena between Moscow-man Daniil Medvedev and American Marcos Giron.
