“Instigators removed from the venue,” Tennis Australia issues statement on Novak Djokovic’s father after he was seen at a Pro-Russian demonstration
The tennis body released a statement ensuring the safety of the event following the controversy involving Novak Djokovic's father while reiterating its position of peace.
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Novak Djokovic, his father with Russian supporters
Tennis Australia is having a busy time in this edition of the Australian Open dealing with troubles coming towards it one after another. This off-court rally where the tennis body is in perpetual defensive mode looks to last till the last point of the tournament is played. The latest drama revolves around Novak Djokovic and his father where the body found itself in yet another crisis.
Novak Djokovic’s father Srdjan was photographed with some Russian supporters outside Rod Laver Arena. Initially, they looked just like some desperate fans happy to see Djokovic Senior. Sooner the crowd turned into a demonstration chanting slogans in support of Russia. Subsequently, the incident became a headache for the Djokovic family and in a deja-vu of the last year, demands to deport the Serb again started surfacing.
Afterward, the Organizer of the tournament was asked to take a tough position with the Ukrainian community being the most vocal. Ukrainian ambassador called the incident a ‘disgrace to the tournament.’ Consequently, Tennis Australia released a statement ensuring the smooth run of the rest of the event.
“After the events of Wednesday night, we acted swiftly to work with police and our security teams to have the instigators of the protest removed from the venue. Throughout the event, we’ve spoken with players and their teams about the importance of not engaging in any activity that causes distress or disruption,” the statement read.
“We will also continue to strive for the safety of fans at the event and reiterate our position on banning flags from Belarus and Russia. Tennis Australia stands with the call for peace and an end to war and violent conflict in Ukraine,” it added.
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Novak Djokovic’s father will not attend the semifinal at Rod Laver Arena
At the center of the controversy, Novak Djokovic’s father, Srdjan issued a statement clearing his position on the issue. “My family has lived through the horror of war and we wish only for peace,” he said. “I had no intention of causing such headlines or disruption,” he continued.
Djokovic Sr. also decided not to be in the stands when his son faces American Tommy Paul at Rod Laver Arena in the semifinal. “I had no intention of being caught up in this. “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,” Srdjan said.
The nine-time Australian Open champion Djokovic did not issue any comments as he is aware of the fact that it will not last forever. Besides, Djokovic’s eyes are set on the biggest prize. He is totally absorbed in his quest to extend his record Down Under which does not seem far away.
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Abhinavendu Singh
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