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Furious ambassador to Australia explodes over banned fan act at Australian Open, forcing tournament organizers to make big rule change at down under grand slam
- Ukrainian ambassador to Australia furious over banned display of Russian flag
- Vasyl Myroshnychenko told Tennis Australia to enforce the rules on the flag
- Russian and Belarusian players must compete as neutrals in the Open
Ukraine’s ambassador to Australia has lashed out after a rogue fan violated Australian Open rules by displaying a Russian flag during a game with a Ukrainian tennis star on Monday.
Diplomat Vasyl Myroshnychenko strongly criticized tournament organizers after the flag appeared in the first round match between Russia’s Kamilla Rakhimova and Ukraine’s Kateryna Baindl on an outdoor court.
Australian Open rules have banned the display of Russian flags because of the country’s invasion of Ukraine, and Russian and Belarusian stars must enter as neutral players who must compete “without flags or country recognition” under Tennis regulations. Australia.
Myroshnychenko took to Twitter to criticize the fan and send a message to tournament bosses after Baindl won the clash 7-5, 6-7, 6-1.
The banned display of the Russian flag took place when Kateryna Baindl of Ukraine defeated Russia’s Kamilla Rakhimova in the first round on Monday.
Ukraine’s ambassador to Australia, Vasyl Myroshnychenko, lashed out at the exhibition in a furious tweet after the match.
“I strongly condemn the display of the Russian flag during Ukrainian tennis player Kateryna Baindl’s match at the Australian Open today,” he wrote.
“I call on Tennis Australia to immediately enforce its ‘neutral flag’ policy.”
Myroshnychenko issued a statement calling for a ban on players in the down under grand slam earlier this month.
“I will seek a meeting with the President and CEO of Tennis Australia to set out my government’s position and understand why Tennis Australia has not followed Wimbledon’s lead…there is no place for neutrality in the face of genocidal war crimes.” . ‘ he wrote.
Australia’s governing body has refused to change its policy, which falls short of the measures taken at the Grand Slam in England last year, when Russian and Belarusian players were barred from entering.
However, Tennis Australia made a big change after Myroshnychenko’s tweet, announcing on Tuesday that the Russian and Belarusian flags are banned from the tournament, effective immediately.
Tennis fans backed Myroshnychenko’s opinion and criticized the behavior of the fans at Melbourne Park.
Kateryna Baindl won her clash with Kamilla Rakhimova 7-5, 6-7, 6-1 despite seeing the Russian flag in the stands
Russian and Belarusian stars, such as men’s singles title threat Daniil Medvedev (pictured), must compete as neutrals at the Open and cannot play under their country’s flag or name.
“That’s shameful, kicking them out and banning them for life,” wrote one commenter.
“I’m ashamed that my country let the Russians play in this year’s Open,” another tweeted.
“As an Australian I am deeply embarrassed by this. What the hell,’ added a third.
“I was at Ostapenko’s match against Yastremska, also a Ukrainian, there were probably no problem flags because every inning has assistants to stop him. The outdoor courts only have the occasional security guard,” observed another fan.
Several players are unable to compete under their national flag as a result of Tennis Australia’s stance.
World number 8 Daniil Medvedev, last year’s Australian Open finalist, is Russian, as is Daria Kasatkina. Victoria Azarenka and Aryna Sabalenka hail from Belarus.