Djokovic's father "accidentally" posed with Putin supporters

MELBOURNE (AUSTRALIA), 27 Ene. (dpa/EP) -

Novak Djokovic's father insists that he was involuntarily involved in a pro-Russian demonstration at the Australian Open, the first 'Grand Slam' of the year and in which his son is in the semifinals fighting for yet another final, but has decided not to attend the 'Nole' semi-final against Tommy Paul.

A video surfaced on a Russian activist's YouTube channel on Thursday showing Srdjan Djokovic standing next to a man holding a Russian flag with the face of Russian President Vladimir Putin on it, and wearing a T-shirt with the symbol Z demonstrating support for the war in Ukraine.

In a statement released by the tennis player's representatives, Djokovic Sr. commented: "I am here only to support my son. I had no intention of causing such headlines or disturbances."

"I was out with Novak's fans, as I have done after all my son's games, to celebrate their victories and take photos with them. I had no intention of being involved in this," he added.

In addition, he recalled that his family lived through the "horror of war" and that he only wants peace. "So there is no disturbance in tonight's semifinal for my son or for the other player, but I have decided to watch it from home. I will be cheering for my son, as always," he said.

Srdjan Djokovic did not comment on a translation of the video which he claims he said "long live Russia". The comment has been translated by Serbian journalists as a simple farewell.

Djokovic's parents have traveled to Australia for the first time since his first title in 2008 to offer support to their son after he was deported from the country last year for not being vaccinated against the coronavirus.