The organizers banned the flags of Russia and Belarus at the Australian Open games after a complaint from Ukraine
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The Australian Tennis Federation (Tennis Australia) has banned fans from bringing Russian and Belarusian flags to the stands of the Australian Open. The decision was made after a complaint from the Ukrainian ambassador. This is reported Reuters referring to a statement from Tennis Australia.
Ambassador of Ukraine to Australia and New Zealand Vasyl Miroshnichenko published on social networks a photo in which the Russian flag hangs from a bush near the site in Melbourne, where on January 16 his compatriot Kateryna Beindl played in the first round match.
“Strongly condemn the public display of the Russian flag while Ukrainian tennis player Katherine Beindl plays today at the Australian Open,” he tweeted. Beindl played against Russian tennis player Kamilla Rakhimova. The Ukrainian won with a score of 6:1.
Tennis Australia reacted to the words of the ambassador on January 17 by banning the use of the flags of Russia and Belarus. “The ban takes effect immediately. We will continue to work with players and fans to enable them to fully enjoy tennis,” Tennis Australia said in a statement.
The Australian Open takes place from 16 to 29 January in Melbourne. The total prize fund will be more than $50 million. Twenty Russians took part in the tournament, including Daniil Medvedev, Andrey Rublev, Daria Kasatkina and Veronika Kudermetova.
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