Novak Djokovic’s father poses with a Russian flag alongside Putin supporters at the Australian Open

Australian Open organizers have reminded players and entourage of their “inappropriate flags” policy after video emerged of Novak Djokovic’s father posing for photos with fans holding Russian flags.

Four supporters with “inappropriate flags and symbols” were questioned by Victoria police after Wednesday’s quarter-final between Djokovic and Russian Andrey Rublev.

A video also posted to social media showed a supporter on the steps of the Rod Laver Arena holding aloft a Russian flag with the image of President Vladimir Putin.

On Wednesday night, another video showed Djokovic’s father Srdjan posing for photos with fans holding Russian flags.

“Players and their teams have been informed of event guidelines regarding flags and symbols, and are reminded to avoid situations that could potentially be disruptive,” Tennis Australia said in a statement on Thursday.

“We continue to work closely with event security and law enforcement agencies.”

Following a complaint from the Ukrainian ambassador to the country, Russian and Belarusian flags were banned from Melbourne Park during the tournament.

Belarus is a key staging post for Russia’s war in Ukraine, which Moscow calls a “special operation.”

Photos posted to social media also showed a fan in the audience during Wednesday’s game wearing a “Z” on his shirt.

Ukrainian ambassador Vasyl Myroshnychenko today expressed his outrage at their behavior.

“It’s a total package. Among the Serbian flags is a Russian flag, Putin, Z symbol, the so-called flag of the Donetsk People’s Republic. It’s such a shame,” he told the Herald Sun.

Russian troops used the letter “Z” as an identification symbol on their vehicles after the invasion of Ukraine. Some supporters of the invasion have also used the mark.

Russian and Belarusian players were banned from Wimbledon last year, but can compete at Melbourne Park as individual athletes without a national tie.

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