After receiving a protest from the ambassador of Ukraine to Australia, Australian Open organizers have banned Russian and Belarusian flags from Melbourne Park during the event. On Monday, spectators displayed the red, white, and blue stripes of Russia during a first-round match between Kateryna Baindl of Ukraine and Kamilla Rakhimova of Russia. According to reports, Ukrainian supporters summoned security and police to the stands. During the match between Daniil Medvedev and Marcos Giron at Rod Laver Arena, a Russian flag was also raised.
Ambassador of Ukraine to Australia and New Zealand Vasyl Myroshnychenko remarked on Twitter, “I strongly condemn the public display of the Russian flag during the match of Ukrainian tennis star Kateryna Baindl at today’s Australian Open.” “I am requesting that Tennis Australia immediately implement its ‘neutral flag’ policy.” Tennis Australia stated in a statement that their earlier policy permitted supporters to carry flags so long as they did not cause “disruptions.” “We will continue to collaborate with the players and our fans to create the optimal conditions for enjoying tennis.” Last year, Russian and Belarusian players were barred from Wimbledon, but they are permitted to participate as individuals in the Australian Open. In contrast to other players, their flags are not displayed alongside their names on television broadcasts, and their nationality is not listed on draw sheets. Belarus serves as a vital staging area for Russia’s assault in Ukraine, which Moscow refers to as a “special operation.” Doug Trappett, who served as former Australian ambassador to Ukraine from 2015 to 2016, also criticized Australian Open organizers. “The Australian Open is embarrassing, and it’s only the first day,” he tweeted. Aryna Sabalenka, a Belarusian, said that she understood how the display of the flags of the two nations may irritate Ukrainian players.
The fifth seed told reporters following her first-round victory on Tuesday, “I truly believed that sport has nothing to do with politics, but if everyone feels better this way, then it’s OK.” “It’s acceptable if Tennis Australia made this decision to make them happier. They committed the offence, so what can I do? I am powerless.” Marta Kostyuk, the number two player from Ukraine, told Reuters on Monday that she would not shake hands with tour competitors from Russia and Belarus who, in her opinion, had not spoken out sufficiently against the invasion.