“Novak has very aggressive fans,” Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk comments on the Djokovic family at pro-Russian demonstrations

Marta Kostyuk has spoken out after footage emerged showing Novak Djokovic's dad posing alongside pro-Putin protesters.

“Novak has very aggressive fans,” Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk comments on the Djokovic family at pro-Russian demonstrations

World no.61 Marta Olehivna Kostyuk has been left stunned by Novak Djokovic’s father posing in a pro-Russia video. Footage emerged in the early hours of Thursday morning showing Srdjan taking pictures with a group, one of which was holding a Russian flag. They also wore a t-shirt printed with the pro-war Z symbol. The video involving Djokovic’s father went viral during the early hours of Thursday morning, after the player’s stirring win over Russian Andrey Rublev.

Four fans were evicted after Wednesday night’s quarterfinal between Djokovic and Russian Andrey Rublev, and tournament organizers have promised a tighter application of the rules forbidding Russian and Belarusian flags and symbols in Melbourne Park.

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She posted a tweet full of ‘mind-blown’ emojis, showing her contempt for the way Srdjan has supported Russia at a time when war continues to devastate her homeland. She has claimed it “hurts” to see Russian flags displayed at the Australian Open. And she added that she now expects more “hate” from “very aggressive Novak fans” for speaking up on the issue.

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But Kostyuk said, “It hurts a lot because there were specific rules that were printed out outside that you’re not allowed to bring out the flags and so on. It really hurts that they were there for quite some time. They were there on the court, in the stands as well and I just don’t understand as well. It really hurts and I don’t understand how this can be possible.“

Kostyuk’s statements caused a divide between fans, with some siding with her while others left no stone unturned in communicating their anger

“That’s a lot of responsibility on me with this question,” she said. “I don’t know what the rules are. I don’t know what the tournament is allowed to do and what the tournament is not allowed to do. But I think this kind of things cannot be left unseen because it doesn’t matter who you are, no one is allowed to do it.” she added

Continuing her train of thought, she further added, “I don’t know. It’s very upsetting. I cannot give you an answer about what the tournament should do. First of all, it’s not in my power. Second of all, no matter what I say, I’m going to be hated for the rest of my life, especially by very aggressive Novak fans. People know that. Not all of them. Novak has very aggressive fans. I know this because I experienced this in the past. And when I said in Paris that the Big Three doesn’t support Wimbledon. How can we get support from the tour if big names don’t support the decision? And I got so much hate, especially from Serbian fans. I don’t know what the rules are so I don’t know what to say.”

The Ukrainian seemed visible whilst making her statements. Weary of the potential negativity she could be setting herself up for, Kostyuk urged tennis fans to be sympathetic and supportive.

Related – “I barely say Hi,” Marta Kostyuk continues to snub Russian and Belarusian colleagues

First seeds Krejcikova and Siniakova demolish Kostyuk and Ruse to reach the 2023 Australian Open final

World no.61 Marta Olehivna Kostyuk is a Ukrainian professional tennis player. Known for her tenacious court coverage and massive serve, Kostyuk reached a career-best semi-final stage at the 2023 Australian Open along with her partner Elena-Gabriela Ruse.

Having their eyes firmly set on extending her career-best run at a Slam, the duo of Ruse & Kostyuk went up against first seeds Katerina Siniakova & Barbora Krejcikova. Unfortunately, the Czech pair proved to be too strong for Ruse & Kostyuk to handle. As they got steamrolled with a score of 2-6 2-6. Having not lost a set heading into the semis, Kostyk-Ruse seemed extremely confident about their chances.

But destiny had other plans, as the duo was blown off the court by title contenders Siniakova-Krejcikova.

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