Novak Djokovic has been dragged into the Russian protest row at the Australian Open after his father, Srdjan Djokovic, was filmed standing with pro-Vladimir Putin demonstrators this morning. Srdjan is heard saying, ‘Long Live Russia’ in Serbian in the shocking clip from Melbourne.
On Wednesday, a group of pro-Russia fans gathered outside the Rod Laver Arena and Margaret Court Arena.
They were proudly chanting, ‘Russia, Serbia’ after Djokovic cruised into the semi-finals with a straight sets win against Andrey Rublev.
This morning, Victoria Police questioned four Australian Open visitors, one proudly holding a Russian flag with President Putin’s face on it, after allegedly threatening security at Melbourne Park.
And Srdjan has seemingly been spotted in a video, standing with the protestors before saying, ‘Long Live Russia’ and walking away.
Away from the controversy, there’s tennis action to tuck into…
On the court this morning, the women’s semi-finals take place to set up Saturday’s final, a potentially all-Belarusian affair.
Elena Rybakina faces Victoria Azarenka before Magda Linette and Aryna Sabalenka clash at the Rod Laver Arena.
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