Novak's dad embroiled in pro-Putin controversy

Any hopes Novak Djokovic's had for smooth sailing towards the end of his quest for 10th Australian Open have been crushed after his father Srdjan was filmed at a pro-Russia rally outside Melbourne Park on Wednesday night.

Djokovic Sr posed for photos next to Russian flags - including one bearing the face of president Vladamir Putin - and with a man wearing a shirt emblazoned with the infamous 'Z' symbol. As he leaves, he can be heard saying to one of the men "zivejli Russiyani", which translates to "cheers to Russian citizens".

Tennis Australia sent this comment to Wide World of Sports in response: "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. We continue to work closely with event security and law enforcement agencies."

Lol you know most people don’t really care right

CoruscaKhaya Iam starting to like these Djokovics family, they seem to make the correct decision even under severe stress or public opinions. Great for them.

So? Is he not allowed according to you?

No big deal, they probably all unvaxxed as well.. Suck it up!.. DjokerNole for the AustralianOpen win.. Just to shut the whiners and the haters up!

Serbians and Russians get along. Don't expect them to start hating each other to please you.

No surprise. His venomous anti Australian rants when ND unwittingly or otherwise tried to circumvent our visa requirements show he can be unhinged. Would not surprise if he was pro Russian 'freedumb'.

Duuuhhhh. Serbia loves Russia. Did you fall off a turnip truck?

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