‘There Was a Lot of Serbian Flags’ – Novak Djokovic Turns Defensive as He Protects Father Amid Controversial Australian Open Photos

Novak Djokovic, has turned defensive in his post-conference interview. The Nole attempted to protect his father from controversy surrounding photos taken outside the Australian Open stadium. The photos, which emerged on social media, show a group of people chanting in support of Russian President Vladimir Putin, with Djokovic’s father also present in the group.

The incident has caused a stir on social media. Some fans interpreted the photos as a show of support for Putin and his actions in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Djokovic, however, has denied any political intent behind the photos. He stated that his father was simply passing through and taking a photo with someone from Serbia.

Novak Djokovic defends his father over his latest controversy

In a press conference following his match at the Australian Open, Djokovic stated that he was not aware of the photos until the previous night. He also stated that his father had been meeting with fans at the main square in Melbourne to thank them for their support and take photos.

The Serb explained,” My father, as I said, was passing through. There was a lot of Serbian flags around. That’s what he thought. He thought he was making photo with somebody from Serbia.”

Djokovic went on to explain that his family, including his father, had been through several wars during the 1990s. He also clarified  that they were against war and violence. The Serb stated that his father’s actions in the photos were misinterpreted and that there was no intention to support any kind of war initiatives.

He further explained, ” …We know how devastating that is for the family, for people in any country that is going through the war.”

The Serb further chimed,” I’m sorry that that has escalated so much. But I hope people understand that there was absolutely no intention whatsoever to support any kind of war initiatives or anything like that.”

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Despite the incident, Djokovic has remained focused on his performance on the court. He has currently won in the semi-finals of the Australian Open. He has asked that people to let the situation be and focus on the tennis.

Fans irked by the latest controversy involving the Nole’s father

Djokovic is facing backlash at the Australian Open following an incident involving his father, Srdjan. A group of Russian supporters were seen in the company of the 62-year-old. Reports indicate that they were supporters of Vladimir Putin. They were filmed holding a Russian flag with his image on it.

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This news has angered many tennis fans. The fan was wearing a t-shirt with a Z symbol. The symbol is often used as a symbol of solidarity with Russia while it is engaged in a war with Ukraine. Djokovic’s father has since issued a statement. He stated that he had no intention of getting caught up in such a controversy. He had also added that he will not be present at the stadium for his son’s semifinal match.

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