Tennis showpiece the Australian Open has reversed its policy after initially letting fans display the Russian tricolor in the stands
Organizers at the Australian Open have said they will no longer allow fans to display Russian and Belarusian flags at the tournament, following a complaint from the Ukrainian ambassador to the country regarding an “incident” on Monday.
“Flags from Russia and Belarus are banned onsite at the Australian Open,” read a statement from Tennis Australia on Tuesday. “Our initial policy was that fans could bring them in but could not use them to cause disruption. Yesterday we had an incident where a flag was placed courtside.”
A Russian flag was seen in the stands on the outer courts at Melbourne Park during the first-round match between Ukraine’s Kateryna Baindl and Russia’s Kamilla Rakhimova on Monday. The scene triggered anger from some Ukrainian observers, including women’s player Marta Kostyuk – who has already stated that she will continue her policy of not shaking hands with Russian and Belarusian players at the tournament. Kostyuk shared an image on Twitter of the Russian tricolor at the match between Baindl and Rakhimova, writing “no words…” followed by a series of ‘exploding head’ emojis.
Ukraine’s ambassador to Australia, Vasily Myroshnychenko, also weighed in, demanding that Tennis Australia enforce a “neutral flag” policy as he “strongly condemned” the presence of Russian colors.
An angry Myroshnychenko shared an image of the Russian flag in the stands at Melbourne Park.
One Russian fan who was reportedly among the group which displayed the flag, Eugene Routman, told Australian media outlet The Age: “We got a few complaints, but we weren’t heckling, we were just cheering for the Russian player because she only had one supporter, her mom.”
“It’s not like we’re waving Nazi flags and ISIS flags. It’s a sovereign country,” added Routman, who moved to Australia from Russia with his family at the age of five and was wearing a T-shirt bearing an image of President Vladimir Putin.
Ukrainian spectators accused Routman and his fellow fans of “taunting” their player and called security staff to the court, where the Russian flag was removed and no further action taken. Ukrainian-Australian spectator Maria Tumarkin claimed the behavior of Routman and his group was “unsafe” and “intimidating,” especially given the proximity of fans to the court.
Russian and Belarusian players are free to compete at the Australian Open but must do so without any national symbols – in line with the rules set by tennis’ governing bodies the ITF, WTA and ATP following the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine in February.
Ahead of the tournament in Melbourne – which is one of four Grand Slams on the tennis calendar – Ukrainian ambassador Myroshnychenko had called on the Australian authorities to ban Russian and Belarusian players completely, following in the footsteps of British showpiece Wimbledon.
Organizers in Australia declined to take that step, instead allowing the likes of Russian top-10 stars Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev and Belarusian women’s world number five Aryna Sabalenka to compete, albeit under neutral status.
Commenting on the flag ban for spectators, Sabalenka said she was under the impression that “sport is nothing to do with politics,” but that “if everyone feels better this way, then it’s OK.”
Men’s star Rublev, who is seeded fifth, was in action in his first-round match against Dominic Thiem on Tuesday, with a Russian tricolor reportedly being removed from the stands at the John Cain Arena after the ban was introduced.
Tennis showpiece the Australian Open has reversed its policy after initially letting fans display the Russian tricolor in the stands
Organizers at the Australian Open have said they will no longer allow fans to display Russian and Belarusian flags at the tournament, following a complaint from the Ukrainian ambassador to the country regarding an “incident” on Monday.
“Flags from Russia and Belarus are banned onsite at the Australian Open,” read a statement from Tennis Australia on Tuesday. “Our initial policy was that fans could bring them in but could not use them to cause disruption. Yesterday we had an incident where a flag was placed courtside.”
A Russian flag was seen in the stands on the outer courts at Melbourne Park during the first-round match between Ukraine’s Kateryna Baindl and Russia’s Kamilla Rakhimova on Monday. The scene triggered anger from some Ukrainian observers, including women’s player Marta Kostyuk – who has already stated that she will continue her policy of not shaking hands with Russian and Belarusian players at the tournament. Kostyuk shared an image on Twitter of the Russian tricolor at the match between Baindl and Rakhimova, writing “no words…” followed by a series of ‘exploding head’ emojis.
Ukraine’s ambassador to Australia, Vasily Myroshnychenko, also weighed in, demanding that Tennis Australia enforce a “neutral flag” policy as he “strongly condemned” the presence of Russian colors.
An angry Myroshnychenko shared an image of the Russian flag in the stands at Melbourne Park.
One Russian fan who was reportedly among the group which displayed the flag, Eugene Routman, told Australian media outlet The Age: “We got a few complaints, but we weren’t heckling, we were just cheering for the Russian player because she only had one supporter, her mom.”
“It’s not like we’re waving Nazi flags and ISIS flags. It’s a sovereign country,” added Routman, who moved to Australia from Russia with his family at the age of five and was wearing a T-shirt bearing an image of President Vladimir Putin.
Ukrainian spectators accused Routman and his fellow fans of “taunting” their player and called security staff to the court, where the Russian flag was removed and no further action taken. Ukrainian-Australian spectator Maria Tumarkin claimed the behavior of Routman and his group was “unsafe” and “intimidating,” especially given the proximity of fans to the court.
Russian and Belarusian players are free to compete at the Australian Open but must do so without any national symbols – in line with the rules set by tennis’ governing bodies the ITF, WTA and ATP following the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine in February.
Ahead of the tournament in Melbourne – which is one of four Grand Slams on the tennis calendar – Ukrainian ambassador Myroshnychenko had called on the Australian authorities to ban Russian and Belarusian players completely, following in the footsteps of British showpiece Wimbledon.
Organizers in Australia declined to take that step, instead allowing the likes of Russian top-10 stars Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev and Belarusian women’s world number five Aryna Sabalenka to compete, albeit under neutral status.
Commenting on the flag ban for spectators, Sabalenka said she was under the impression that “sport is nothing to do with politics,” but that “if everyone feels better this way, then it’s OK.”
Men’s star Rublev, who is seeded fifth, was in action in his first-round match against Dominic Thiem on Tuesday, with a Russian tricolor reportedly being removed from the stands at the John Cain Arena after the ban was introduced.
Diana Davis and Gleb Smolkin represented Team ROC at the Beijing Olympics
The American-born Russian figure skater Diana Davis and her competitive partner Gleb Smolkin are in discussions to switch national allegiances to the Israeli national team, according to a report by RIA Novosti.
Davis, who is the only child of Russian figure-skating coach Eteri Tutberidze, along with her partner Smolkin are among the most prominent athletes within their sport, and can list the 2021 CS Warsaw Cup and a 2022 Russian national silver medal among their collective accolades following their successful transition from the junior ranks in 2021.
Gleb Smolkin, meanwhile, is the son of the well-known Russian actor Boris Smolkin.
While no final decision as to their futures has yet been made, a definitive declaration is expected in the near future – with ongoing sporting sanctions levied against Russia since February of last year thought to be a key factor in their decision.
It is thought that if Russian athletes are readmitted to international sport in the near future, both Davis and Smolkin could continue to represent Russia on the international stage.
It has previously been reported that the duo were considering a move to the United States national team, though both skaters subsequently denied these reports.
The duo train together in the US and have not yet competed in any competition within Russia this season.
Shortly after the onset of last year’s military operation in Ukraine, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) instituted recommendations to restrict Russian influence on the international sports stage – a dictum which was subsequently adhered-to by numerous different sporting federations.
However, more recently IOC president Thomas Bach has stated that he wishes the sanctions to have as little impact as possible on Russia’s athletes specifically – while also calling for the restrictions to continue in their current state.
Diana Davis and Gleb Smolkin represented Team ROC at the Beijing Olympics
The American-born Russian figure skater Diana Davis and her competitive partner Gleb Smolkin are in discussions to switch national allegiances to the Israeli national team, according to a report by RIA Novosti.
Davis, who is the only child of Russian figure-skating coach Eteri Tutberidze, along with her partner Smolkin are among the most prominent athletes within their sport, and can list the 2021 CS Warsaw Cup and a 2022 Russian national silver medal among their collective accolades following their successful transition from the junior ranks in 2021.
Gleb Smolkin, meanwhile, is the son of the well-known Russian actor Boris Smolkin.
While no final decision as to their futures has yet been made, a definitive declaration is expected in the near future – with ongoing sporting sanctions levied against Russia since February of last year thought to be a key factor in their decision.
It is thought that if Russian athletes are readmitted to international sport in the near future, both Davis and Smolkin could continue to represent Russia on the international stage.
It has previously been reported that the duo were considering a move to the United States national team, though both skaters subsequently denied these reports.
The duo train together in the US and have not yet competed in any competition within Russia this season.
Shortly after the onset of last year’s military operation in Ukraine, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) instituted recommendations to restrict Russian influence on the international sports stage – a dictum which was subsequently adhered-to by numerous different sporting federations.
However, more recently IOC president Thomas Bach has stated that he wishes the sanctions to have as little impact as possible on Russia’s athletes specifically – while also calling for the restrictions to continue in their current state.
Nick Kyrgios has withdrawn from his home Grand Slam on eve of his opening match
Nick Kyrgios, the Australian tennis star whose form sparkled in 2022, has spoken of his devastation at being forced to withdraw from his home-country’s Grand Slam on the eve of his scheduled opening match with Roman Safiullin.
The 27-year-old native of Sydney, who is regularly cited as one of the sport’s more controversial characters, was speculated as being among the favorites to claim what would have been his first Grand Slam singles title this month, before the discovery of a knee complaint, which, if left untreated, could threaten the remainder of his 2023 campaign.
Kyrgios, the world’s 21st ranked player, also withdrew from Australian Open warmup events in Adelaide this month, as well as pulling out of the Australian United Cup team in December.
“I’m devastated, obviously,” Kyrgios said at a Monday press conference in which he confirmed his absence.
“It’s my home tournament, I’ve had some great memories here – obviously last year winning the title in doubles and playing the best tennis of my life probably. Then going into this event as one of the favorites, it’s brutal.”
It was revealed that an MRI scan on Kyrgios’ troublesome knee revealed the development of a cyst which came about as a result of a tear to his meniscus.
The injury, while not career-threatening, could have severely hampered his ability to compete at a high level throughout the 2023 season if subjected to a prolonged run through the Melbourne tournament, according to this physiotherapist Will Maher.
“It always goes back to the last grand slam I played, the US Open,” he added.
“I was extremely hard on myself after that loss in the quarter-finals, thinking that I could win it from there on. I just had the Aus Open on the back of my mind from that day forth as soon as I got off the court against [Karen] Khachanov.
“I always wanted to just do everything right and train right and tick every box, and just be ready for the Aus Open.”
I know. Trust me, my heart is broken. But I’m on the table Monday to get fixed, I’ll be back! https://t.co/IZuZ7uHzbX
Maher added that Kyrgios’ knee didn’t respond as anticipated following an exhibition match with Novak Djokovic on Friday, which ultimately prompted the decision to pull out of the event and seek minor surgery.
“I think we’ve made the sensible decision to withdraw him because at this stage he wants to feel mentally comfortable that he can go seven matches, he can go the distance, and needs to be able to do potentially seven three-hour matches. Getting on the court simply wasn’t enough for him.”
Kyrgios and his medical staff have identified the Indian Wells Masters in March as a target for his return – but until then, he can do little but rest up.
“I’m not doubting I will be back to my full strength and playing the tennis I was playing prior to this event. All I can do now is just look forward, do what I need to do and come back.”
Nick Kyrgios has withdrawn from his home Grand Slam on eve of his opening match
Nick Kyrgios, the Australian tennis star whose form sparkled in 2022, has spoken of his devastation at being forced to withdraw from his home-country’s Grand Slam on the eve of his scheduled opening match with Roman Safiullin.
The 27-year-old native of Sydney, who is regularly cited as one of the sport’s more controversial characters, was speculated as being among the favorites to claim what would have been his first Grand Slam singles title this month, before the discovery of a knee complaint, which, if left untreated, could threaten the remainder of his 2023 campaign.
Kyrgios, the world’s 21st ranked player, also withdrew from Australian Open warmup events in Adelaide this month, as well as pulling out of the Australian United Cup team in December.
“I’m devastated, obviously,” Kyrgios said at a Monday press conference in which he confirmed his absence.
“It’s my home tournament, I’ve had some great memories here – obviously last year winning the title in doubles and playing the best tennis of my life probably. Then going into this event as one of the favorites, it’s brutal.”
It was revealed that an MRI scan on Kyrgios’ troublesome knee revealed the development of a cyst which came about as a result of a tear to his meniscus.
The injury, while not career-threatening, could have severely hampered his ability to compete at a high level throughout the 2023 season if subjected to a prolonged run through the Melbourne tournament, according to this physiotherapist Will Maher.
“It always goes back to the last grand slam I played, the US Open,” he added.
“I was extremely hard on myself after that loss in the quarter-finals, thinking that I could win it from there on. I just had the Aus Open on the back of my mind from that day forth as soon as I got off the court against [Karen] Khachanov.
“I always wanted to just do everything right and train right and tick every box, and just be ready for the Aus Open.”
I know. Trust me, my heart is broken. But I’m on the table Monday to get fixed, I’ll be back! https://t.co/IZuZ7uHzbX
Maher added that Kyrgios’ knee didn’t respond as anticipated following an exhibition match with Novak Djokovic on Friday, which ultimately prompted the decision to pull out of the event and seek minor surgery.
“I think we’ve made the sensible decision to withdraw him because at this stage he wants to feel mentally comfortable that he can go seven matches, he can go the distance, and needs to be able to do potentially seven three-hour matches. Getting on the court simply wasn’t enough for him.”
Kyrgios and his medical staff have identified the Indian Wells Masters in March as a target for his return – but until then, he can do little but rest up.
“I’m not doubting I will be back to my full strength and playing the tennis I was playing prior to this event. All I can do now is just look forward, do what I need to do and come back.”
Francis Ngannou has left the UFC and is no longer its heavyweight champion
Former heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou’s departure from the UFC could present an opportunity to Russian fight league Hardcore Boxing, which has reportedly made a multi-million-dollar offer to secure the Cameroonian powerhouse’s services.
Ngannou, perhaps the most feared knockout artist in the history of the UFC, is officially a free agent following the expiration of his contract, with UFC boss Dana White telling the media in Las Vegas this past weekend that he turned down the biggest heavyweight contract the organization has ever offered to instead test his value on the open market.
It was thought that Ngannou had requested a provision in any new contract to permit him to take on challenges in the boxing ring – a factor that UFC brass were apparently unwilling to allow, even after he was linked last year to a high-profile bout opposite boxing heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.
But if Ngannou is looking for an attractive payday in the boxing ring, he need look no further than Russian fight league Hardcore Boxing, according to its chief Anatoly Sulyanov.
“We have good news today – Francis Ngannou has finally left the UFC,” Sulyanov announced online, via translation.
“So, Francis, I have an offer for you – three million dollars for one fight in Hardcore Boxing on March 18 in Dubai against my heavyweight champion Soslan Asbarov.
“We have already sent contract to your manager and waiting for your response. Guys let’s do it!”
There has been no immediate response from Ngannou’s representatives regarding the offer – though it remains to be seen exactly when Ngannou would be available for a return to action after suffering a serious injury to his knee in December 2021, just weeks out from what proved to be his final fight in the UFC, against Ciryl Gane.
It only took 60 seconds as Soslan “Cobra” Asbarov (4-0) scores a hard knockdown in the 1st and forces the TKO-1 stoppage victory over 40yr old 🇺🇸 Joel Shojgreen (14-4) at the main event from Hardcore Boxing in Moscow pic.twitter.com/XfJOFdVDDF
Asbarov, meanwhile, is 3-0 in his still-developing career but impressed in his most recent fight last month, where he defeated the then 14-3 American fighter Joel Shojgreen by knockout just 58 seconds into the first round.
Prior to that Asbarov earned a comprehensive unanimous-decision victory against fellow Russian Dmitry Kudryashov – a fighter who had 28 more professional fights than Asbarov.
It remains to be seen exactly which direction Ngannou will take for his next career move, with serious interest expected from several different mixed martial arts organizations in securing his signature.
Francis Ngannou has left the UFC and is no longer its heavyweight champion
Former heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou’s departure from the UFC could present an opportunity to Russian fight league Hardcore Boxing, which has reportedly made a multi-million-dollar offer to secure the Cameroonian powerhouse’s services.
Ngannou, perhaps the most feared knockout artist in the history of the UFC, is officially a free agent following the expiration of his contract, with UFC boss Dana White telling the media in Las Vegas this past weekend that he turned down the biggest heavyweight contract the organization has ever offered to instead test his value on the open market.
It was thought that Ngannou had requested a provision in any new contract to permit him to take on challenges in the boxing ring – a factor that UFC brass were apparently unwilling to allow, even after he was linked last year to a high-profile bout opposite boxing heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.
But if Ngannou is looking for an attractive payday in the boxing ring, he need look no further than Russian fight league Hardcore Boxing, according to its chief Anatoly Sulyanov.
“We have good news today – Francis Ngannou has finally left the UFC,” Sulyanov announced online, via translation.
“So, Francis, I have an offer for you – three million dollars for one fight in Hardcore Boxing on March 18 in Dubai against my heavyweight champion Soslan Asbarov.
“We have already sent contract to your manager and waiting for your response. Guys let’s do it!”
There has been no immediate response from Ngannou’s representatives regarding the offer – though it remains to be seen exactly when Ngannou would be available for a return to action after suffering a serious injury to his knee in December 2021, just weeks out from what proved to be his final fight in the UFC, against Ciryl Gane.
It only took 60 seconds as Soslan “Cobra” Asbarov (4-0) scores a hard knockdown in the 1st and forces the TKO-1 stoppage victory over 40yr old 🇺🇸 Joel Shojgreen (14-4) at the main event from Hardcore Boxing in Moscow pic.twitter.com/XfJOFdVDDF
Asbarov, meanwhile, is 3-0 in his still-developing career but impressed in his most recent fight last month, where he defeated the then 14-3 American fighter Joel Shojgreen by knockout just 58 seconds into the first round.
Prior to that Asbarov earned a comprehensive unanimous-decision victory against fellow Russian Dmitry Kudryashov – a fighter who had 28 more professional fights than Asbarov.
It remains to be seen exactly which direction Ngannou will take for his next career move, with serious interest expected from several different mixed martial arts organizations in securing his signature.
Daniil Medvedev wasted little time in dispatching American Marcos Giron
Daniil Medvedev’s quest for a second career Grand Slam title remains on after the Russian star made light work of American rival Marcos Giron in his first round match at the Australian Open on Monday.
Medvedev, a losing finalist in Melbourne the last two years, was in imperious form in his opening match, hitting 28 winners on his way to a conclusive three-set win (6-0, 6-1, 6-2) in just over 90 minutes of action.
The three games lost by Medvedev is the lowest tally that he has ever had in a Grand Slam match.
The 2021 US Open champion won an impressive 54% of points from Giron’s serve, breaking his opponent on seven separate occasions to improve his overall record at the Australian Open to an impressive 20-6, and will become just the fourth man to reach three consecutive finals if he makes it all the way later this month.
3 – Daniil #Medvedev has only lost three games against Marcos Giron at the Australian Open: his fewest tally in a single Grand Slam encounter. Ready.#AusOpen#AustralianOpen
“I am really happy with the match,” Medvedev said afterwards.
“Marcos is a tough opponent, so to beat him with this score in the first round at a Slam is great. I am really happy with my level and I am looking forward to the next round.”
Daniil Medvedev has a small spat with the umpire about, I think, an audible obscenity when he's two points from victory, but comes through 6-0, 6-1, 6-2.
Medvedev, who appeared to have a brief verbal disagreement with the umpire moments before he completed the victory, will next face local player John Millman in the second round – and he said that he will be wary of the challenge after witnessing Millman overcome hot favorite Roger Federer at the US Open in 2018.
“In five or six years that I have been on the Tour, I have never played [Millman]. He is a great player, especially here in Australia,” Medvedev added.
“He is a great player. He beat Roger [Federer] at the US Open when Roger was at the top, so he is capable of playing some great tennis. I am going to have to play my best as well.”
Medvedev is at the opposite side of the draw to Serbian star Novak Djokovic – who defeated him earlier this month in the Adelaide International semifinals, suggesting that the two Australian Open specialists could well be set on a collision course against one another in the first Grand Slam event of the new year.
Daniil Medvedev wasted little time in dispatching American Marcos Giron
Daniil Medvedev’s quest for a second career Grand Slam title remains on after the Russian star made light work of American rival Marcos Giron in his first round match at the Australian Open on Monday.
Medvedev, a losing finalist in Melbourne the last two years, was in imperious form in his opening match, hitting 28 winners on his way to a conclusive three-set win (6-0, 6-1, 6-2) in just over 90 minutes of action.
The three games lost by Medvedev is the lowest tally that he has ever had in a Grand Slam match.
The 2021 US Open champion won an impressive 54% of points from Giron’s serve, breaking his opponent on seven separate occasions to improve his overall record at the Australian Open to an impressive 20-6, and will become just the fourth man to reach three consecutive finals if he makes it all the way later this month.
3 – Daniil #Medvedev has only lost three games against Marcos Giron at the Australian Open: his fewest tally in a single Grand Slam encounter. Ready.#AusOpen#AustralianOpen
“I am really happy with the match,” Medvedev said afterwards.
“Marcos is a tough opponent, so to beat him with this score in the first round at a Slam is great. I am really happy with my level and I am looking forward to the next round.”
Daniil Medvedev has a small spat with the umpire about, I think, an audible obscenity when he's two points from victory, but comes through 6-0, 6-1, 6-2.
Medvedev, who appeared to have a brief verbal disagreement with the umpire moments before he completed the victory, will next face local player John Millman in the second round – and he said that he will be wary of the challenge after witnessing Millman overcome hot favorite Roger Federer at the US Open in 2018.
“In five or six years that I have been on the Tour, I have never played [Millman]. He is a great player, especially here in Australia,” Medvedev added.
“He is a great player. He beat Roger [Federer] at the US Open when Roger was at the top, so he is capable of playing some great tennis. I am going to have to play my best as well.”
Medvedev is at the opposite side of the draw to Serbian star Novak Djokovic – who defeated him earlier this month in the Adelaide International semifinals, suggesting that the two Australian Open specialists could well be set on a collision course against one another in the first Grand Slam event of the new year.
