Novak Djokovic's father, Srdjan has decided to stay away from the Australian Open semi-final between his son and Tommy Paul taking place this morning.
Pictured with a Russian flag with Vladimir Putin's face on it and posted to a pro-Russian Australian YouTube account, he courted widespread criticism with some calling for him to be banned from the tournament.
But instead of a ban, he will stay away albeit with no mentions as to if he will be in attendance for the final.
"I am here to support my son only. I had no intention of causing such headlines or disruption," Srdjan Djokovic said in a statement.
"My family has lived through the horror of war and we wish only for peace," he said.
"I had no intention of being caught up in this."
"I wish for a great match and I will be cheering for my son, as always," he continued.
