Novak Djokovic’s father Srdjan says he and his family “wish only for peace” and that he “had no intention of causing such headlines or disruption” after posing with pro-Putin protesters brandishing Russian flags.
Ukraine’s ambassador to Australia urged tennis officials to ban Djokovic’s father from the event after the incident.
In footage uploaded to a pro-Russian Australian YouTube account, Srdjan Djokovic is seen standing alongside a man who is holding a Russian flag with President Vladimir Putin’s face and wearing the pro-war “Z” symbol associated with support of the Ukraine invasion.
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Spectators are banned from having Russian or Belarusian flags at the Grand Slam after Ukraine’s ambassador to Australia and New Zealand, Vasyl Myroshnychenko, demanded action when they were seen among the crowd last week.
While Novak Djokovic had “no comments” on the incident, Srdjan Djokovic released a statement on Friday afternoon.
“I am here to support my son only. I had no intention of causing such headlines or disruption,” he said.
“I was outside with Novak’s fans as I have done after all of my son’s matches to celebrate his wins and take pictures with them.
“I had no intention of being caught up in this.
“My family has lived through the horror of war, and we wish only for peace. 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.
“I wish for a great match and I will be cheering for my son, as always.”
Tennis Australia released a statement soon after.
“After the events of Wednesday night, we acted swiftly to work police and our security teams to have the instigators of the protest removed from the venue,” it reads.
“Throughout the event we’ve spoken with players and their teams about the importance of not engaging in any activity that causes distress or disruption.
“Mr Srdjan Djokovic has issued a statement confirming that he will not attend tonight’s semifinal.
“We will continue to strive for the safety of fans at the event and reiterate our position banning flags from Belarus and Russia.
“Tennis Australia stands with the call for peace and an end to war and violent conflict in Ukraine.”
Djokovic will face Tommy Paul in the semi-finals on Friday night.
