‘Aussie Cossack’ hails Novak Djokovic’s father for ‘supporting the cause’ of pro-Russian fans

A pro-Russian online commentator wanted by Australian police has claimed “victory” for successfully infiltrating the Australian Open and promoting his nation’s invasion of Ukraine during matches involving champion Novak Djokovic.

‘Australian Cossack’ Simeon Boikov had a warrant issued for his arrest on Wednesday after failing to appear in court on Sunday and seeking refuge in the Russian consulate in Sydney.

He faces one charge of assault with bodily harm following an incident involving a 76-year-old man at a rally in support of Ukraine in December at Sydney Town Hall.

During Sunday night’s Australian Open men’s final, Boikov was released a video on youtube showing him appearing on a Russian news TV show during Novak Djokovic’s semi-final against American Tommy Paul on Friday night.

In the video, Boikov claimed victory over the Russian protests at Melbourne Park and said Djokovic’s father Srđan deserved “honor and glory” for supporting his cause at the Grand Slam.

Russian and Belarusian flags were banned from the Australian Open due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, however there have been incidents involving flags being hung in Melbourne Park and protesters showing support for Russian President Vladimir Putin and the invasion of Ukraine.

A Russian fan was banned from Rod Laver Arena for wearing a T-shirt with Russia’s ultra-nationalist ‘Z’ war symbol, while Djokovic’s father Srđan has voluntarily banned himself from the Australian Open final following backlash over a video of him mingling with pro-Russian protesters.

Djokovic Snr (second left) was seen with a fan who was holding a Russian flag with Vladimir Putin’s face on it and wearing a T-shirt with the Z symbol of the Russian armed forces.

Boikov posted a video of him appearing on the Russian news on Sunday stating that Russian protesters had claimed victory for his efforts during the Australian Open.

“So we can say that the goals and objectives of the Russian community have been achieved,” he said.

‘We show the Russian spirit. We show that we cannot be stopped. Impossible to shut up. “We will never hide our state symbols, our national flag, visual support for the Donetsk People’s Republic.”

The Donetsk People’s Republic is an unrecognized Russian republic in the occupied parts of Donetsk Oblast in eastern Ukraine that is being contested by the Russian and Ukrainian armed forces.

Boikov (left) said on a Russian talk show on Sunday that pro-Russian protesters had deliberately attacked Djokovic’s matches at the Australian Open to promote war against Ukraine.

A fan was seen at the Australian Open wearing Russia’s ultra-nationalist ‘Z’ war symbol

The ‘Z’ symbol is among a number of items banned at this year’s Australian Open.

The show’s host then praised Boikov and the Russian protesters in Australia who performed during the Grand Slam. ‘You are great colleagues, we are very proud. Victory will be ours,’ he said.

Boikov also said in the interview that the Russian flags and the Z symbol had been a calculated move aimed at the Australian Open.

“We definitely had to plan such a small local special operation, just to screw up the enemies,” he said.

Djokovic’s father opted to stay out of the Australian Open final on Sunday night.

The seat that Djokovic Snr normally occupies with his wife Djana (second row) was left empty

Djokovic won a record tenth Australian Open title after beating Stefanos Tsitsipas

‘Unfurl Russian flags. They banned the tricolor [Russian flag]then our guys unfurled the flag of the Russian Empire and it was also banned.

‘The flag of Belarus – prohibited. T-shirts with the letter Z, prohibited. “In the end, this situation came to such a critical point when the Western press together with the Ukrainian ambassador put pressure on Novak Djokovic’s father and demanded his deportation from the country,” he said.

‘He demanded that he repent publicly. At that, he, together with his fans, allowed himself to say the words “Zhiveli Russia”. [Long live Russia, long live the Russians].

That is the whole conflict. But due honor and glory must be given to you, Srđan Djokovic. He refused to apologize. He refused to go on and, as it were, he defended to the end.

‘His honor and the honor of Russia and he simply decided to boycott the semi-final.’

Russian and Belarusian tennis players were only allowed to compete under a neutral flag at the Australian Open after they were banned from the Wimbledon Championships in 2022.

Djokovic was infamously deported from Australia before the 2022 Open due to his vaccination status.

The Serb claimed his tenth Australian Open title on Sunday night with a straight-set win over Greek star Stefanos Tsitsipas.