Novak Djokovic’s father Srdjan filmed at Australian Open posing for pictures with Vladimir Putin supporters

Novak Djokovic’s father poses with pro-Putin demonstrators

Srdjan Djokovic, the father of Novak Djokovic, was caught on camera at the Australian Open taking selfies with Vladimir Putin’s followers.
Srdjan Djokovic was photographed with a man holding a Russian flag bearing Putin’s visage and sporting a pro-war Z symbol on his t-shirt.

Since a Russian flag was flown during a match between Russia’s Kamilla Rakhimova and Ukraine’s Kateryna Baindl on the first day, Melbourne Park has banned the use of Russian and Belarusian flags and insignia.
After Djokovic defeated Russian Andrey Rublev in the quarterfinals on Wednesday night, there was a display of solidarity for Putin.

Four men had been evicted from Melbourne Park by Victoria police on Wednesday night after chanting pro-Russian and pro-Vladimir Putin slogans on the steps of Rod Laver Arena while brandishing numerous Russian flags, including one with the face of Putin on it.
Before the eviction of the four pro-Kremlin supporters, Srdjan Djokovic met fans outside Rod Laver Arena and took photos with a spectator wearing a “Z” symbol shirt while brandishing a Russian flag with a large picture of Putin’s face.

A group of supporters wearing Serbian flags displayed a Russian flag with Putin’s likeness outside the Rod Laver Arena. Some people were carrying the Serbian flag across their shoulders while chanting in support of Russia.
Zaldostanov is seen as a close buddy of Putin, who faced sanctions from the EU last year along with the club.

The owner of the Aussie Cossack YouTube channel, Simeon Boikov, urged other pro-Putin supporters to attend the event to “fight back” at Tennis Australia before the match.
In a statement, Tennis Australia said: “A small group of people displayed inappropriate flags and symbols and threatened security guards following a match on Wednesday night and were evicted.
“One patron is now assisting police with unrelated matters.

“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. Due to the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russian and Belarusian athletes were prohibited from competing at Wimbledon.
Victoria Azarenka and Aryna Sabalenka, two Belarusian players, will face off in the women’s final on Thursday.

Karen Khachanov of Russia competes in the men’s semi-finals on Friday, although all three must participate under a neutral flag.
A spokesperson for Djokovic has been contacted for comment.