Russian and Belarusian flags banned at Australian Open
Photo: xsport.ua
The organizers of Australian Open tennis (Australian Open) banned the demonstration of the flags of Russia and Belarus during the matches. This is reported by the Australian newspaper The Age.
The ban was preceded by an incident during the match on January 16 between Ukrainian tennis player Ekaterina Beindl and Russian player Kamilla Rakhimova. Then the fans in the stands hung the Russian tricolor, which caused discontent among the audience and indignation on social networks.
In particular, the ambassador Ukraine in Australia and New Zealand Vasily Miroshnichenko condemned the appearance of the flag of the aggressor country in the stands and called on the organizers of the tournament to adhere to the terms of the policy of a neutral flag, which prohibits Russian and Belarusian athletes from competing under national flags.
I strongly condemn the public display of the Russian flag during the game of the Ukrainian tennis player Kateryna Baindl at the Australian Open today. I call on Tennis Australia to immediately enforce its “neutral flag” policy. @TennisAustralia @AustralianOpen pic.twitter.com/zw8pLN4FIF
— Vasyl Myroshnychenko (@AmbVasyl) January 16, 2023
The next day, the tournament organizers announced the ban, adding that they would “continue to work with players and fans to ensure the best conditions for enjoying tennis.”
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The provocation with the flag did not bother the Ukrainian Beindl. She defeated the Russian in the third set – 7:5, 6:7 (8), 6:1, and for the first time in her career she made it to the second round of prestigious competitions on the Green Continent.
Australian Open – the first Grand Slam tournament of the season, which takes place in Melbourne from 16 to 29 January.
BAGNET reminds tennis players from Russia and Belarus admitted to the Australian Open.
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Prepared by: Sergey Daga
