After the discussions about his father, Novak Djokovic spoke of “misinterpretations at a high level”. Srdjan Djokovic posed for photos with fans holding a Russian flag.
His father did not intentionally pose for photos and video recordings in front of a Russian flag and “not at all the intention” had, “to support any war initiatives”said Novak Djokovic at the press conference after the semifinal match against Tommy Paul.
His family experienced several wars in the 1990s, Djokovic continued: “As my father said in his statement, we are against war. We will never support any violence or war.” At the press conference, Djokovic did not specifically name Ukraine or Russia.
Srdjan Djokovic has so far gone to the fans at the Australian Open after his son’s match. It’s about thanks and respect, and also about kindness like joint photos, said Novak Djokovic. His father just walked through the crowd and saw some Serbian flags there, Djokovic said. “That’s what he thought: he’s taking a picture with someone from Serbia.”
The 62-year-old was seen in a video posing with fans in front of a Russian flag after Djokovic’s quarter-final win over Russia’s Andrei Rublev. Some of the people wore T-shirts with the “Z” symbol in support of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
At the end, some of the people called out a greeting “Brother Alexander Zaldostanov”. Zaldostanov is the president of the Russian motorcycle club “Night Wolves MC”, which is close to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The club represents nationalist, anti-Western, Christian Orthodox and homophobic positions.
“Night Wolves” boss Alexander Saldostanov with Russian President Vladimir Putin
Djokovic’s father: ‘Did not intend to make headlines’
Srdjan Djokovic decided not to attend his son’s match against Paul at the Australian Open. “I’m only here to support my son. I had no intention of causing such headlines or disruption”, wrote Srdjan Djokovic in his statement. have his family “Witen the horrors of war and we wish only for peace”Srdjan Djokovic also announced – also without mentioning Russia or Ukraine.
The Ukrainian ambassador to Australia had previously asked the organizers in Melbourne to exclude him from the tournament. Another video showed fans in Melbourne celebrating with the Russian flag.
Russian and Belarusian flags banned after 1st round
The organizers had banned Russian and Belarusian flags after the first round. Fans had placed Russian flags on the sidelines during a match between Ukraine’s Kateryna Baindl and Russia’s Kamilla Rakhimova. Russian professionals are currently only allowed “neutral participation” without national symbols.