Novak Djokovic’s dad was filmed posing alongside pro-Putin supporters (Image: TWITTER/TODAYNEWS)
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
Novak Djokovic will be “devastated” by the controversy surrounding his father, Srdjan Djokovic, after he posed for photos with pro-Putin Russian fans at the Australian Open, according to former British No 1 Sam Smith. Djokovic spoke with joy at having his parents back in Australia to see him play in the Melbourne Park major for the first time since 2008 earlier in the tournament.
Related articles
He had hoped they would “bring me luck once again”, but his dad’s recent controversy would not have been part of the plan. Srdjan was seen on video posing with fans waving Russian flags emblazoned with Vladimir Putin ‘s face following his son’s win over Andrey Rublev.
The Australian Open has brought in strict policies banning flags in support of Russia as the war in Ukraine drags on. In the clip with Djokovic’s father in, numerous flags were waved on the steps of the Rod Laver Arena with several supporters seen wearing the ‘Z’ symbol – which has become known as a pro-war emblem.
Djokovic himself has shown that his father’s actions are a huge contrast to his own beliefs. The nine-time Australian Open champion sent a text message of support to Ukrainian tennis star Sergei Stakhovsky soon after the war started when he joined the resistance against the Russian invasion and pledged “financial help, any other help as well”.
Pro-war symbols were displayed by some Russian fans at the Australian Open this week (Image: GETTY)
And Smith, who was British No 1 between 1996 and 1999, believes Djokovic’s father has made his son’s life that bit tougher in his bid for a 10th Australian Open title. “I’ve just seen the footage, I’m absolutely appalled by it,” Smith told Today Extra .
“It just detracts from everything this tournament is trying to do and we’re not talking about the tennis and Novak must be devastated. It’s just another thing he’s got to deal with.
“I walked into Melbourne Park this morning thinking the world is very fractured at the moment, it’s not in a great place. You come to Melbourne Park and you just feel everything’s alright. In this little corner of the world, everything feels good and happy and right and I was just so appalled to see that footage.
“However it came about, maybe Novak’s father Srdjan wasn’t thinking, but he’s part of the Novak Djokovic team and you’ve got to be switched on every minute of your day and night because of the world that we live in now. People can take advantage of you and maybe that’s what happened… it was horrible.”
Related articles
- Becker says Djokovic ‘thrives’ on noise after Australian Open heckling
- Paul’s coach ‘slapped him in the face’ en route to Djokovic showdown
- Ukraine star Kostyuk's 'mind blown' after Djokovic Russia controversy
- Djokovic’s controversies include expulsion and injury suspicions
- Tommy Paul may be toast at Aussie Open as Djokovic video resurfaces
- Emmerdale spoilers: Amelia Spencer runs away with kidnapper Beth again leaving her family devastated
- Coronation Street spoilers: Rana Nazir devastated as her dad Hassan dies after she lies to him on his deathbed
- Fantastic Fest Review: DESTROYER Plays Like Art House POINT BREAK
- Dani Dyer and Jack Fincham are back ON says her dad Danny in baffling interview
- Axed Strictly pro James Jordan backed to replace Darcey Bussell after Dancing On Ice success
- Returning to Montenegro
- Meghan Markle's style has completely changed through the years
- Seann Walsh’s girlfriend gave him a T-shirt with Strictly dance partner Katya Jones’ name on weeks before they were caught kissing
- Towie fans declare they are ‘Team Courtney’ after Courtney Green’s fierce showdown with ex Myles Barnett
- Coronation Street spoiler: Lolly left horrified as she finds out Rana’s secretly furious at her over rearranged wedding plans
- Coronation Street spoilers: Peter Barlow arrested in police raid after kicking down squat door to save Carla
- Three things you missed from The X Factor including the finalists through to the live shows
- Absolutely Ascot’s Henry tells Leah he cheated THREE times during lads’ holiday to Ibiza
- Four things you missed from Strictly Come Dancing last night including the second star to leave the show
- Victoria Beckham turns heads in bright red frock as she throws Christmas party at her London fashion store
- EastEnders’ Lacey Turner runs errands as she’s spotted for first time since announcing her pregnancy
- Coronation Street spoilers: Roy Cropper shocked as his former foster son Wayne Hayes returns to investigate the factory collapse
- Coronation Street’s Brooke Vincent becomes Weatherfield’s answer to Gwyneth Paltrow as she launches Goop style lifestyle website
- Absolutely Ascot’s Samson Smith baffles fans as he insists ‘monkeys don’t have thumbs’
- Coronation Street’s Daniel Brocklebank reveals plans for marriage and kids with partner Stuart Hatton
Novak Djokovic 'must be devastated' as Serbian's dad breaks silence on pro-Russian video have 929 words, post on www.express.co.uk at January 27, 2023. This is cached page on Travel News. If you want remove this page, please contact us.