“Your father supports Russian Fascists?” Novak Djokovic faces wrath of fans after his father Srdjan was seen at pro-Russian demonstration at the Australian Open
Novak Djokovic and his father were ridiculed by social media users after Djokovic Senior posed with Russian supporters.
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Novak Djokovic's father posing with Russian fans
Serbian tennis icon Novak Djokovic is just two steps away from making history in the Australian Open. The champion star is in the semifinal stage after routing the Russian Andrey Rublev. After the rousing win, Djokovic will make his 44th last-four-round appearance at the Grand Slams.
The 35-year-old is moving in such a ruthless manner that anyone coming his way is bound to be whacked in an unforgiving manner. A hamstring injury, accompanying him for the last couple of weeks seems to have the opposite impact on Djokovic’s game as he is looking more and more agile and defiant.
That’s about the action happening on-court. Off-court, Djokovic is having a different kind of trouble that is beyond his powers to overcome. The latest issue involves his father. Russia-Ukraine war debris seems to have reached Djokovic’s family too. Srdjan, Djokovic’s father recently posed with some fans who were wearing t-shirts with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s face on them along with a controversial symbol.
This created a huge furor with the Ukrainian Ambassador also joining in. “It’s a full package. Among the Serbian flags, there is a Russian flag, Putin, Z-symbol, or chanting pro-Russian songs. It’s such a disgrace,” the Ambassador commented.
Social media goes on a rant against Novak Djokovic and his father
The latest issues created a mental hurdle for Novak Djokovic already fighting a perception battle in Australia for the past two years. It is not clear yet whether Senior Djokovic knowingly posed with the supporters of Russia chanting slogans.
Social media users got busy right after the incident. Most of them were against Djokovic’s father for “siding” with Russia. Him posing with the Russians was construed as support for Russia’s war on Ukraine.
Despite the negative opinion dominating not everyone was against Djokovic and his father. Some of them came to show their support.
Whatever the outcome of the controversy, Djokovic and his fans would be hoping that this incident does not impact the Serb’s game who is just a couple of steps away from his historic 10th title in Melbourne. Tommy Paul is Djokovic’s opponent in the semifinals on Friday at Rod Laver Arena. If the past few days suggest anything about Djokovic, the American will be just another minor halt on his path to ultimate glory.
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Abhinavendu Singh
(290 Articles Published)