For the Serbian tennis legend, Novak Djokovic, and his family, a highly contentious incident that occurred during the Australian Open has caused a lot of distress. The 35-year-old player’s father was filmed posing with a group of fans who were allegedly pro-Putin supporters. A video clip of the incident also got viral in which Novak’s father Srđjan was spotted with a person holding a Russian flag with Vladimir Putin’s picture printed on it.

Consequently, a lot of criticism and backslash was thrown at both, the former world No. 1 player, and his 62-year-old father. But that’s not it; the Australian Open authority has now advised the 21 singles Grand Slam champion’s family to “be really careful” at such an event of such global significance.

Novak Djokovic and his family have been advised by the Australian Open authority

After the dramatic incident involving the Serbian tennis star’s father, the Australian Open chief Craig Tiley has spent a considerable amount of time talking to the family. Tiley has advised them to be really cautious on such a huge platform as almost everyone around the globe witnessed Srđjan posing with Vladimir Putin supporters.

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Talking to the Melbourne Age newspaper, he also said, “When you have hundreds of thousands of people come through the gate, you’re going to naturally have some people that are coming here with an intention to be disruptive, and don’t get yourself caught in the middle of that.”

Tiley went on to say that the Djokovic family completely understood what he was trying to advise them. He added that they were upset after getting caught up in the whole drama. The Australian Open chief further stated the family was ‘misinterpreted’ as they had no intention to cause any disruption. Tiley later talked about Srđjan by saying that he does not support war and only wants “peace”.

Djokovic’s father previously  issued a statement in his defense

The 62-year-old released a statement after he was involved in the controversial incident in Melbourne Park.  Djokovic Sr. defended himself by saying that it was not his intention to cause disruption ⁦and chaos after posing with that group of supporters. Srđjan further clarified that he was standing with them only to celebrate his son’s quarter-final victory.

He didn’t want to make any headlines after he posed with a fan holding a Russian flag with Vladimir Putin’s photo on it. The tennis star’s father also talked about his own “war” experiences. Srđjan said that his family has witnessed the horrors of war. He added that they “wish only for peace.”

In light of the whole controversy, the father of the 9-time Australian Open champion also decided to not attend his son’s semifinal match against the American, Tommy Paul.

What do you think of the dramatic incident involving the Serbian tennis star’s father? Let us know in the comments section.

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