The main draw of the Australian Open has just begun in Melbourne. But already at the end of the first game day, the Australian organizers managed to make a politicized decision that infringes on the rights of fans from Russia.

Ukrainian fans, even on the other side of the Earth, have found a way to play dirty tricks, provoking a new scandal.

Russian flag of discord

Tennis players from Russia continue to compete in neutral status. Fortunately, unlike many athletes from our country, players can compete in the international arena. Tennis players were banned from using the flag, anthem and other national symbols, but not completely suspended.

Our athletes were also admitted to the Australian Open without any problems. They are still not allowed to display national symbols, but this ban applies exclusively to players.

Until yesterday, fans could legally carry Russian flags to the stands in Melbourne. Spectators who came to cheer for Kamilla Rakhimova in the first round match against Ukrainian athlete Katerina Beindl took advantage of this. Unfortunately, the support of the fans did not help the Russian woman, and she lost to her opponent in three games, ending the fight in the tournament.

Photo: © Mackenzie Sweetnam / Stringer / Getty Images Sport / Gettyimages.ru

It would seem that an ordinary meeting of tennis players who are far from the top of the WTA rankings should not attract special attention. But it was this match that caused a scandal.

“Another example of the unacceptable politicization of sports”

A photo with the Russian flag appeared on the social networks of the Ukrainian Ambassador to Australia, who appealed to the leadership of the Australian Open with a call to completely ban the Russian flag from the tournament. The demand of the politician was quickly satisfied. Already on the morning of January 17, Australian time, the organizers of the tournament announced a complete ban on the Russian flag. Officials tried to reduce the level of tension, but it turned out ridiculous.

– Flags from Russia and Belarus are banned from the Australian Open. Our original policy was that fans could bring flags, but not use them, so as not to provoke a split. Yesterday we had an incident when the Russian flag was placed on the court. We will continue to work with the players and our fans to provide the best possible environment for enjoying tennis,” the tournament organizers said in a statement.

Photo: © James D. Morgan / Contributor / Getty Images Sport / Gettyimages.ru

The Russian Embassy in Australia spoke out in defense of the Russian flag and our fans at the Australian Open.

– The decision to ban the display of the flags of Russia and Belarus on the territory of the Australian Open is another example of the unacceptable politicization of sports.

In addition to the already existing discrimination against Russian tennis players, Tennis Australia has gone one step further with its “neutral flag” policy, banning fans from supporting them.

It is truly regrettable to see the organizers of the tournament succumb to overt and rather arrogant political manipulation, sacrificing the spirit of fair play once inherent in the Australian Open, the Russian embassy said in a statement.

In this situation, it is interesting how the organizers will work to provide the best conditions “for enjoying tennis”. Perhaps the efforts will be directed only to tennis fans from certain countries, but obviously not from Russia.