Djokovic's Father Explains Why He Displayed Support for Russians at Australian Open

Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic's father, Srdjan Djokovic, has clarified why he was photographed with Russian fans and expressed support for Russia during the Australian Open.

"My intention was not to create such headlines. I was in the street with Novak's fans and did everything to celebrate his victory. I took a photo with the fans and got caught doing that. My family has experienced the horrors of war, so we only want peace. I decided that I will watch the remaining matches of Novak from home," Srdjan Djokovic was quoted by codesports.

It is worth noting that after the match between Djokovic and Russian Andrey Rublev, Srdjan Djokovic was seen with a man wearing a shirt emblazoned with the letter 'Z' and the phrase 'where we are, there is Russia.' The man was also holding a flag of Russia featuring an image of Putin. The athlete's father further stated, "Long live the Russians." The tournament organizers had previously banned the flags of Russia and Belarus from the stands at the Australian Open due to protests from Ukrainian spectators.