Novak Djokovic sends warning to rowdy Australian Open fans after it emerged his dad could be BANNED from attending final over controversial pro-Russian celebrations
- Djokovic sends fans message after heckling at Open
- His father might not be allowed to attend men’s final
- Srdjan Djokovic released statement after incident
Novak Djokovic is pleading with fans to be respectful and not overstep the mark during his Australian Open final with Greek cult-hero Stefanos Tsitsipas.
The nine-times champion wants no more ‘unpleasant’ experiences at Melbourne Park after his father was forced offsite for Djokovic’s semi-final win over Tommy Paul on Friday night.
Djokovic feels his father was ‘misused’ by pro-Russia fanatics he posed with for photos at Melbourne Park and admits the escalating saga has taken its toll during his bid for a 10th Open crown.
Djokovic has clashed with the crowd more than once at this year’s Australian Open – and has now warned the local fans to stick to tennis when he plays in the men’s final
His concerns about fans sledging him have no doubt been heightened by his father Srdjan (circled) being filmed with a man wearing a ‘Z’ T-shirt denoting his support for Vladimir Putin and behind a flag sporting the Russian president’s face (pictured)
Srdjan Djokovic released a statement saying his family only wanted peace after living through war themselves in Serbia following the emergence of a video of him with Vladimir Putin fans on Wednesday night.
Tournament organisers will make a late decision over whether to allow the grand slam icon’s father to attend Sunday night’s men’s final in light of the incident.
Djokovic hopes fans will behave when he plays Tstisipas at Rod Laver Arena on Sunday chasing a record-equalling 22nd men’s grand slam singles crown.
‘The Serbs and Greeks historically get along very well. I just don’t think there’s going to be any conflict on and off the court in terms of the crowd,’ Djokovic said.
‘I’m confident that people will support their respective players in a respectful way, and let’s see what happens.
‘I hope that all the people who are going to come to the finals are going to be there for tennis and sport because that’s what we all wish for.
The Serbian superstar got so fed-up with being heckled by ‘drunk’ fans earlier in the tournament that he demanded they be thrown out – which they were
Srdjan Djokovic (pictured left with the star’s mother Dijana) could be banned from attending his son’s tilt at a record-equalling 22nd grand slam in the men’s final on Sunday night
‘We all wish that players, fans, focus on tennis, celebrate this beautiful sport, marvel at one of the most special matches throughout the year, which is a slam final.’
Djokovic’s 10th AO final appearance comes a year after he was sensationally deported from Australia for not being vaccinated against COVID-19.
But the 35-year-old maintains he bears no ill will against the country.
‘Honestly, I’m over it. Once I came into Australia, my intentions were always very positive to come back,’ Djokovic said.
‘Of course, the feelings of coming back to Australia this year were different than any other year because of the events of last year.
‘I said many times that I don’t hold any grudges, that I just love playing in Australia, love being here.
‘That kind of emotion I feel helped me to feel comfortable and to play well. I won Adelaide, now I’m in the finals of the Australian Open.
‘I haven’t lost a match in the last five weeks in Australia.
‘I’m really glad to be here and play that well.’
Should Djokovic beat Stefanos Tsitipas (pictured) he’ll become the world No.1 again
The final shapes as very much a winner-takes-all affair, with the champion to not only capture the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup but also usurp injured Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz as world No.1 on Monday.
‘Grand slams and being No.1 in the world, those two are probably pinnacles of professional tennis,’ Djokovic said.
‘Of course, I’m very satisfied and pleased to be in another grand slam final.
‘This is exactly what I’ve imagined and hoped that will happen when I came to Australia, with the intention to be in a position to fight for another Australian Open trophy.’
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