MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — The flags of Russia and Belarus were banned Tuesday at the Australian Open venue after more than one of us carried the stands through spectators on the first day of the year’s first Grand Slam tournament.
Normally, flags can be displayed at matches at Melbourne Park. But Tennis Australia reversed that policy for any of the countries involved in the invasion of Ukraine that began about a year ago.
“Our initial policy was that enthusiasts could only bring (flags) but not use them to cause disruptions,” Tennis Australia said Tuesday. “Yesterday we had an incident where a flag was placed on the court. We will continue to work with the players and our enthusiasts to ensure this is the most productive environment imaginable to enjoy tennis. “
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A Russian flag showed Ukrainian player Kateryna Baindl’s 7-5, 6-7 (8), 6-1 victory over Russian player Kamilla Rakhimova on court 14 in the first circular on Monday.
Another gift to Russian player Daniil Medvedev for an autograph after his 6-0, 6-1, 6-2 victory over Mark Giron on Rod Laver Arena on Monday night.
Asked about banning the new flag, Belarusian player Aryna Sabalenka said after her first-round victory on Tuesday that she would prefer politics and the game to be separated, but that she understands Tennis Australia’s decision.
“I mean, if everyone feels better that way, then that’s fine,” said Sabalenka, a three-time Grand Slam semi-finalist and number five seed at Melbourne Park. “I have no choice. They did. “. OK. No flags? No flags. “
Sabalenka is among the Russian and Belarusian athletes who were unable to compete at Wimbledon or on occasions for teams such as the Billie Jean King Cup and Davis Cup last year due to the war in Ukraine. Russia invaded, with the help of Belarus, in February.
Russian and Belarusian players were allowed to participate in the other 3 Grand Slam tournaments, but as “neutral” athletes, so their nationalities are not identified on the official calendars or for the purposes of the occasion and the flags of their countries are not shown on television. Graphics.