Novak Djokovic — whose father was absent from Rod Laver Arena — has won his Australian Open semifinal, setting up a clash with Stefanos Tsitsipas in the tournament decider.
His father, Srdjan Djokovic, decided not to attend the match after he appeared with a group of spectators who were holding a banned Russian flag — superimposed with Vladimir Putin’s face — outside Melbourne Park on Wednesday night.
Via a statement released on Friday afternoon, Mr Djokovic said he would “watch from home” so there was “no disruption” to the semifinal.
A seat in his son’s player’s box was noticeably empty as the nine-time Australian Open winner defeated unseeded Tommy Paul 7-5, 6-1, 6-2.
The Serb appeared to lose focus during the first set, but recovered to earn safe passage through to the final, despite a brave performance from his younger, American opponent.
Earlier on Friday, third-seeded Tsitsipas advanced to the final after defeating Russian Karen Khachanov 7-6 (7/2), 6-4, 6-7 (6/8), 6-3.
Djokovic beat Greece’s Tsitsipas over five sets in a dramatic 2021 French Open final.
Whoever wins Sunday night’s final on Rod Laver Arena will replace Carlos Alcaraz as world number one.
More to come.
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