Victoria Azarenka was irked by the media during her press conference on Thursday after being asked about an incident involving the father of Novak Djokovic.
In a video posted on YouTube, Srdjan Djokovic was seen posing next to a series of fans who were waving pro-Russian flags with the face of Vladimir Putin on one of those. One of the fans he was posing for a picture with was also wearing a t-shirt with the pro-war Z symbol. The incident took place shortly after Djokovic’s quarter-final win over Andrey Rublev on Wednesday.
According to a statement issued by Tennis Australia, a group of fans displayed ‘inappropriate flags and symbols and threatened security guards.’ Witnesses said there were pro-Russian chants which included support for areas in Ukraine currently being targeted by Russia in the war. In one photo a member is seen waving what appears to be a Donetsk People’s Republic flag. An internationally unrecognized part of Russia.
Those fans were evicted from the premises by the local police but it is understood that Srdjan will not face any penalty. Instead, organizers have sent out a reminder to players and their teams about their policy.
“Players and their teams have been briefed and reminded of the event policy regarding flags and symbols and to avoid any situation that has the potential to disrupt. We continue to work closely with event security and law enforcement agencies.” Tennis Australia said.
Russian and Belarussian flags have been banned from the Australian Open since the second day of the tournament after an incident involving a Ukrainian player in her first round match. T-Shirts with the pro-war ’Z’ letter have also been banned.
Questioned about the incident following her semi-final loss to Elena Rybakina, a bemused Azarenka accused journalists of trying to sensationalize the incident. Saying the media continues to bring up the debate surrounding whether Belarussian and Russian players should be allowed to participate in sports events.
As for Djokovic, the former world No.1 says the actions of his father should have nothing to do with him.
“I don’t know what it has to do with Novak at all, to be fair,” she said.
“I’ve actually spoken to a security guard today who was walking me to practice every day. I have known him for years. I just asked him what the accident was [sic]. He explained to me.’
“I don’t know what you guys (the media) want us to do about it. Like talk about it? I don’t know what’s the goal here, that it’s continuously brought up. These incidents in my opinion have nothing to do with players, but somehow you keep dragging players into it.”
Azarenka was also asked if she was frustrated about members of the public using the Australian Open to make political statements. Although she refused to weigh in on the matter.
“Whatever the answer I’m going to give it to you right now, it’s going to be turned whichever way you want to turn it to,” she said.
“ I’m an athlete. You’re asking me about things that maybe somebody says are in my control, but I don’t believe that.
“I don’t know what you want me to answer. If it’s a provocative question, then you can spin the story however you want.”
Russian and Belarusian players are only allowed to participate on the Tour as neutral athletes in response to the war in Ukraine which began on February 24th. The two countries are also currently suspended from team events and were not allowed to play at Wimbledon last year.
Neither Djokovic nor his father is yet to comment on the matter. Djokovic will return to action on Friday when he plays Tommy Paul in the semi-finals.
