Tennis Australia yesterday banned Russian and Belarusian flags at the Australian Open after Ukraine’s ambassador demanded action when they were seen among the crowd.
Moscow called the ban an “unacceptable politicization of sports.”
The red, white and blue stripes of Russia were held up by fans during Monday’s first-round clash between Ukraine’s Kateryna Baindl and Russia’s Kamilla Rakhimova on day one.
Photo: EPA-EFE
Ukrainian fans reportedly called security and police to the stands.
A Russian flag was also unfurled on Rod Laver Arena during Daniil Medvedev’s clash with the US’ Marcos Giron.
“Flags from Russia and Belarus are banned onsite at the Australian Open,” Tennis Australia wrote in a statement. “Our initial policy was that fans could bring them in, but could not use them to cause disruption. Yesterday, we had an incident where a flag was placed courtside.”
“The ban is effective immediately. We will continue to work with the players and our fans to ensure the best possible environment to enjoy the tennis,” Tennis Australia wrote.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Russian and Belarusian players have normally competed under a neutral white flag as independents, as is the case at the Australian Open.
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