Djokovic's Father Sparks Controversy with Pro-Russia Actions
Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic advanced to the men's singles semifinals at the Australian Open, but his father has sparked controversy by showing a 'pro-Russia' stance at the venue.
According to CNN and other foreign media on the 27th (local time), on the 25th, when the men's singles quarterfinal match of the Australian Open was held, Djokovic's father Srđan Djokovic took photos with Russian fans at Melbourne Park. On that day, Djokovic defeated Andrey Rublev (Russia) in the quarterfinals to advance to the semifinals.
Novak Djokovic (5th place, Serbia) is practicing with Daniil Medvedev (Russia) ahead of the Australian Open match held at Melbourne Park, Australia, on the 11th (local time). [Image source=AFP Yonhap News]
In videos showing Srđan Djokovic, he is surrounded by fans holding Russian flags in the park. Some foreign media reported that Srđan Djokovic shouted "Long live Russia" in Serbian.
Notably, there was a man wearing a T-shirt with the 'Z' symbol near Srđan Djokovic. The 'Z' symbol is known to be used by supporters of President Putin to express support for the invasion of Ukraine and Russia's victory.
The 'Z' mark is also seen on Russian military equipment such as tanks invading Ukraine, symbolizing the war. As a result, some countries including Ukraine, Latvia, the Czech Republic, and Lithuania have legally banned the use of the 'Z' symbol in public places.
The Ukrainian government expressed displeasure over the incident. Vasyl Myroshnychenko, Ukraine's ambassador to Australia, told ABC News, "It is unacceptable," and added, "It is important to ask Djokovic for his opinion on this situation. We are curious about what he thinks regarding his father's support."
Ukrainian tennis player Oleksandr Dolgopolov also posted related videos on Twitter, criticizing, "(Russians) claim that sports are separate from politics, but these people who support a regime committing mass murder have nothing to do with tennis tournaments." The former tennis player is now a soldier fighting on the battlefield.
Meanwhile, Djokovic was unable to participate in the Australian Open in January last year. He was deported after a legal battle with the Australian government for attempting to compete without being vaccinated against COVID-19. Thanks to the recent easing of Australia's quarantine regulations, Djokovic was able to participate in this year's Australian Open, but he has once again become the center of controversy due to his father.
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