Srdjan Djokovic, the father of 21-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic, has come out in support of Russia after he was filmed posing with people holding pro-Russian banners and Putin flags at the Australian Open on Wednesday night.
The events unfolded following the Serbian tennis professional's straight-sets demolition of Andrey Rublev at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne Park, which assured him of a place in the tournament's semis.
However, Djokovic's 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 victory seemed to be overshadowed by his father.
After the conclusion of the match, a few Russian fans unfurled the country's flag, including one with President Vladimir Putin's portrait on it. A video subsequently posted on social media showed Djokovic's father Srdjan chatting with a man holding a Putin picture in his hand.
An Australian media outlet, citing a Serbian press publication covering the Grand Slam Down Under, quoted Srdjan as saying: "Long live Russia" in Serbian.
After the episode was brought to light to Tennis Australia officials, police were brought to calm the situation, and the four people who revealed what authorities deem "inappropriate flags and symbols" were dragged from the competition site.
Fans attending the Australian Open have been banned from hoisting or carrying Russian or Belarussian flags after Ukraine's ambassador to Australia and New Zealand, Vasyl Myroshnychenko, complained.