Some viewers opposed the Australian Open’s ban on Russian flags (Photo: Daily Mail)

Russian spectators at the Australian Open have threatened security forces, four of whom are now being questioned by police.

During Novak Djokovic’s victory over Russia No. 6 Andrey Rublev, some fans decided to defy the tournament’s ban on Russian flags, with one supporter waving the face of President Vladimir Putin.

Another viewer wore a T-shirt with the letter “Z”, a war symbol for President Putin’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

Tennis players from Russia and Belarus have been banned from playing under their country’s flag since the invasion of Ukraine began.

“Four people in the crowd leaving the stadium unveiled inappropriate flags and symbols and threatened security guards,” Tennis Australia said in a statement.

Victoria police intervened and are still questioning her. Everyone’s comfort and safety is our top priority and we work closely with security and authorities.”

There have been several controversial moments in Melbourne Park this year in connection with the Russian invasion, which began in February 2022.

A fan wears a t-shirt with the “Z” symbol during Andrey Rublev’s quarterfinals (Photo: Getty)

The organizers of the Australian Open have decided to ban the Russian and Belarusian flags after an incident on the women’s singles field.

Some fans displayed a Russian flag during a match between Ukraine’s Kateryna Baindl and Russia’s Kamilla Rakhimova – with Ukrainian fans accusing Russian viewers of “challenging” Baindl during the match.

Later in the tournament, Russian star Rublev lashed out at Ukrainian fans for “insulting” him and saying “nasty things” when meeting Emil Ruusuvuori.

Some spectators hung a Ukrainian flag over a billboard and Rublev spoke to the referee about the verbal abuse he allegedly suffered.

Young Ukrainian star Marta Kostyuk, meanwhile, has said she will not shake hands with Russian or Belarusian players at the Australian Open unless they are firm enough against the ongoing invasion.