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Karen Khachanov strikes back after being accused of committing a “hateful act” by writing supportive messages on TV cameras at the Australian Open.
- Karen Khachanov showed her support for the people of Artsakh
- Angry Azerbaijan Tennis Federation wants 18th seed punished
- The 18th seed urged ‘his people’ to stay strong on TV camera message
Russian tennis star Karen Khachanov has lashed out after being accused of committing a “hateful act” at the Australian Open.
The 18th seed has written messages of support on TV cameras for Artsakh following his winning streak at Melbourne Park, and the Azerbaijan Tennis Federation is furious over his conduct.
Khachanov, 26, has been expressing his good wishes to the people of the Republic of Artsakh, which is enduring a month-long blockade carried out by Azerbaijan.
“I have Armenian roots from my father’s side, from my grandfather’s side, even from my mother’s side. I am half Armenian,” Khachanov told reporters after his quarterfinal win against Sebastian Korda.
‘I just wanted to show strength and support for my people. That is.’
Russian tennis player Karen Khachanov has been accused of committing a “hate act” at the Australian Open
Seed 18 has written messages of support on TV cameras for the people of Artsakh as they endure a blockade enacted by Azerbaijan.
The Azerbaijan Tennis Federation criticized Khachanov’s actions and demanded action from the International Tennis Federation.
The Azerbaijan Tennis Federation called Khachanov’s actions an “act of hate” and demanded a sanction from the International Tennis Federation.
“Karen Khachanov… (has) drawn attention with her heinous act,” the ATF said in a statement.
‘The letter from the Azerbaijan Tennis Federation presented facts and legal documents regarding the provocation against Azerbaijan.
The 18th seed said no one has told him to stop writing the posts after Azerbaijan’s protest against his actions.
“ATF condemned this act and demanded that the tennis player be punished and urged the (ITF) to take tough action to prevent such incidents in the future.”
The 18th seed said he hadn’t been told not to write the messages: ‘I haven’t heard anything about that…until now, no.’
Khachanov next faces third seed Stefanos Tsitsipas on Friday for a spot in the men’s final.