Australian Open Semifinals LIVE: Novak Djokovic’s father has confirmed that he won’t attend the semifinal contest in the Australian Open on Saturday, 27th January. Srdjan Djokovic, got himself into a controversy following Novak’s quarterfinal contest on Wednesday. He was seen posing with Russia’s Pro-Putin supporters at the Melbourne Park. The video of Srdjan with Russian supporters created a stir. There were calls to ban him from entering the Australian Open since his actions were against Australia’s stance on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Follow Australian Open 2023 LIVE updates on InsideSport.IN
Australian Open Semifinals LIVE: Amid calls for ban for posing with Pro-Putin supporters, Novak Djokovic’s father Srdjan Djokovic confirms he won’t attend son’s semifinal clash against Tommy Paul, Follow Djokovic vs Paul LIVE
#BREAKING: Novak Djokovic’s father will not attend his son’s semi-final showdown at the #AusOpen tonight, issuing a statement over a video that surfaced of him with pro-Putin demonstrators outside the tournament | @BaumgartelSteph #AO2023 pic.twitter.com/tzLOPVJInP
— 10 News First (@10NewsFirst) January 27, 2023
Following the controversy, Srdjan Djokovic has decided to watch his son’s upcoming contest from “home”. “I’m here to support my son only. I had no intention of causing such headlines or disruption,” Srdjan Djokovic said in an emailed statement. “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,” he added.
Earlier on Thursday, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reiterated Australian support for Ukraine. He criticised supporters of Russia’s invasion after the video emerged showing Novak Djokovic’s father posing with fans holding Russian flags. “I will make this point, that Australia stands with the people of Ukraine,” Albanese told a news conference.
Earlier this year, before the start of the Australian Open, the organisers had banned Russian and Belarusian flags from the tournament grounds, following a complaint by Ukraine’s ambassador last week. The athletes from both the countries were allowed to compete as individual athletes without national affiliation at the Australian Open.
Novak Djokovic still has not commented on the controversy involving his father. Last year, Djokovic himself was at the centre of controversy as e was deported from the country following his non-vaccination stance against Covid-19. The 35-year old was however allowed to compete in the tournament this year since his ban was uplifted.
The Serbian is bidding to win his 10th Australian Open title. He also has a chance to get back to World No.1 if he wins the title at the Melbourne major this year. He will face American Tommy Paul for a spot in the final on Friday.
Australian Open Semifinals LIVE: Amid calls for ban for posing with Pro-Putin supporters, Novak Djokovic’s father Srdjan Djokovic confirms he won’t attend son’s semifinal clash against Tommy Paul, Follow Djokovic vs Paul LIVE
