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The flags of Russia and Belarus were banned from the Australian Open venue on Tuesday after more than one appeared in 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 can bring (flags) but not use them to cause disruptions,” Tennis Australia said Tuesday. “Yesterday we had an incident where a flag was placed near the field. We will. ” Continue to work with the players and our fans to ensure that this is the most productive environment imaginable to enjoy tennis.
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 to autograph after his 6-0, 6-1, 6-2 victory over Mark Giron on Rod Laver Arena.
Athletes from Russia and Belarus 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 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 in any official calendar or final results of the occasion and the flags of their countries are not shown on TV graphics.
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AP Tennis: https://apnews. com/hub/tennis and https://twitter. com/AP_Sports
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