Srdjan Djokovic will miss his son’s semifinal after a controversial video was leaked

Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic’s father will not attend the Australian Open semifinal this Friday to see his son.after a video in which he is seen with fans in favor of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“My family lived through terrible wars and all we wanted was peace“, declared Srdjan Djokovic, specifying that he came to Australia only to support his son, according to a statement sent to the media today by the Serbian tennis player’s team.

The playerone of the favorites to win the tournament that ends this Sunday, indicated that he had nothing to say about the incident in the video.

The controversy arose on Wednesday night when, according to some Australian media, a video posted on YouTube showed Djokovic’s father posing briefly with fans, one of whom was wearing a T-shirt with the pro-war symbol Z and a flag. face of Vladimir Putin, in Melbourne

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“I was able to join Novak’s fans, as I used to do at my son’s games, to celebrate his victory and take pictures with them. I have no intention of getting involved.“, explained the tennis player’s father.

“So that there are no interruptions in the semi-final today for my son or another player, I decided to watch the game at home. I wish a great game and I will support my son, as always“end note.

Ukraine’s ambassador to Australia, Vasyl Myroshnychenko, said the flags were a symbol of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and called for Srdjan Djokovic to be banned from the rest of the tournament.

“This is unacceptable, it is a disgrace for the tournament. Penalties must be imposed“, stressed the ambassador, who thought that the father of the tennis player supports the Russian aggression and asked Novak to express his opinion, on the Australian chain ABC.

Novak Djokovicwho did not decide on this matter, eliminated the Russian Andrey Rublev in the quarterfinals on Wednesday and will play this Friday in the semifinals against American Tommy Paul.

The open organizers banned the display of Russian and Belarusian flags and symbols because of the incidents that occurred during the match between Ukraine’s Kateryna Baindl and Russia’s Kamilla Rakhimova on the first day.