Flags from Russia and Belarus were banned from the Australian Open grounds on Tuesday after many were smuggled into the stands by spectators on the first day of the year’s first Grand Slam tournament.
Flags are normally permitted to be hoisted at Melbourne Park during matches. Tennis Australia, however, reversed that stance for Russia and Belarus for being involved in the nearly year-long invasion of Ukraine.
“Our initial policy was that fans could bring (flags) in but could not use them to cause disruption,” Tennis Australia said in a statement on Tuesday. “Yesterday we had an incident where a flag was placed courtside. We will continue to work with the players and our fans to ensure that this is the best possible environment to enjoy tennis.”
During Ukrainian player, Kateryna Baindl’s 7-5, 6-7 (8), 6-1 first-round victory over Russian player Kamilla Rakhimova on Court 14 on Monday, one flag of Russia was hoisted.
Another was given to Russian player Daniil Medvedev to autograph after his 6-0, 6-1, 6-2 triumph over Marcos Giron on Monday night at Rod Laver Arena.
Belarusian player Aryna Sabalenka said after her first-round victory Tuesday that she prefers politics and sports to be kept separate
When asked about the new flag ban, Belarusian player Aryna Sabalenka said after her first-round victory Tuesday that she prefers politics and sports to be kept separate, but understands Tennis Australia’s decision.
“I mean, if everyone feels better this way, then it’s OK,” said Sabalenka, a three-time Grand Slam semifinalist who is seeded No. 5 at Melbourne Park. “I have zero control over it. What can I say? They did it. OK. No flags? No flags.
Due to the conflict in Ukraine, Sabalenka was among the Russian and Belarussian athletes forbidden from competing at Wimbledon
Due to the conflict in Ukraine, Sabalenka was among the Russian and Belarussian athletes forbidden from competing at Wimbledon and team events including the Billie Jean King Cup and Davis Cup last year. In February, Russia invaded with the assistance of Belarus.
Russian and Belarussian players have been permitted to compete in the other three Grand Slam tournaments as “neutral” athletes, which means that their nationalities are not recognized on any official schedules or results for the event, and their countries’ flags are not displayed on TV visuals.