Australian Open bans Russian flag after Ukraine complaint

Ukraine’s ambassador criticises the show of the Russian flag throughout Ukrainian participant Kateryna Baindl’s first-round match.

Tennis Australia of their assertion stated their preliminary coverage was to permit followers to convey the flags so long as it didn't create any 'disruptions' [William West/AFP]

Australian Open organisers have banned Russian and Belarusian flags from the Melbourne Park precinct throughout the event after a grievance from the Ukraine ambassador to the nation.

On Monday, the purple, white and blue stripes of Russia have been held up by followers throughout a first-round conflict between Ukraine’s Kateryna Baindl and Russia’s Kamilla Rakhimova on day one.

Ukrainian followers reportedly known as safety and police to the stands.

A Russian flag was additionally unfurled at Rod Laver Area throughout Daniil Medvedev’s conflict with American Marcos Giron.

“I strongly condemn the general public show of the Russian flag throughout the recreation of the Ukrainian tennis participant Kateryna Baindl on the Australian Open right now,” Ukraine’s ambassador to Australia and New Zealand Vasyl Myroshnychenko wrote on Twitter.

“I name on Tennis Australia to right away implement its ‘impartial flag’ coverage.”

I strongly condemn the general public show of the Russian flag throughout the recreation of the Ukrainian tennis participant Kateryna Baindl on the Australian Open right now. I name on Tennis Australia to right away implement its “impartial flag” coverage. @TennisAustralia@AustralianOpenpic.twitter.com/zw8pLN4FIF

— Vasyl Myroshnychenko (@AmbVasyl) January 16, 2023

Tennis Australia of their assertion stated their preliminary coverage was to permit followers to convey the flags so long as it didn't create any “disruptions”.

“We'll proceed to work with the gamers and our followers to make sure the absolute best setting to benefit from the tennis.”

Russian and Belarusian gamers have been banned from Wimbledon final yr however are in a position to compete as particular person athletes with out nationwide affiliation on the Australian Open.

Their flags are usually not displayed beside their names in TV broadcasts, as is the case for different gamers, and their nation just isn't indicated on draw sheets.

Belarus is getting used as a key staging floor for Russia’s battle in Ukraine, which Moscow phrases a “particular operation”.

‘Embarrassing’

Former Australian Ambassador to Ukraine Doug Trappett, who served within the position from 2015 to 2016, additionally hit out at Australian Open organisers.

“Embarrassing Australian Open – and it’s solely day one,” he tweeted.

Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka stated she understood how the show of the flags of the 2 international locations may upset Ukrainian gamers.

“I actually thought that sport is nothing to do with politics but when everybody feels higher this fashion, then it’s OK,” the fifth seed advised reporters after her first-round win on Tuesday.

“If Tennis Australia made this determination to make them really feel higher, OK. They did it, what can I do? I can do nothing.”

Ukraine’s quantity two Marta Kostyuk advised Reuters information company on Monday that she wouldn't shake palms with tour rivals from Russia and Belarus who she feels haven't accomplished sufficient to talk out in opposition to the invasion.