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.
A statement from Srdjan Djokovic in light of Wednesday night's events. Strong message that "my family has lived through the horror of war, and we wish only for peace" but that he will watch from home tonight to avoid disruption "for my son or for the other player". #AusOpen
