Tennis Australia issues ban amid controversy with Russian flag flown during Australian Open match

On the opening day of the Australian Open, Kateryna Baindl and Kamille Rakhimova faced off in a match between Ukraine and Russian players that courted controversy.

This due to a Russian flag being flown by the team of the latter which saw Tennis Australia swiftly issue a ban on hanging Russian and Belarusian flags.

“Flags from Russia and Belarus are banned onsite at the Australian Open,” Tennis Australia said in a statement Tuesday morning.

“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. The ban is effective immediately.

“We will continue to work with the players and our fans to ensure the best possible environment to enjoy the tennis.”

The Russian Embassy in Australia responded calling it a ‘politicisation of sport’ and ‘unacceptable’.