Semi-finalist Karen Khachanov says he hasn’t been instructed by Australian Open officers to cease writing messages of help for Artsakh.
Khachanov progressed to the ultimate 4 with victory over the injured Sebastian Korda on Tuesday, the American retiring within the third set.
A Russian with Armenian heritage, the 26-year-old has written post-match messages on the tv digicam lens resembling “Stay strong” and “Keep believing until the very end. Artsakh, hold on!”.
He was expressing his help to the individuals of Artsakh who’re enduring a month lengthy blockade by Azerbaijan.
“I have Armenian roots from my father’s side, from my grandfather’s side, even from my mum’s side – I’m half Armenian,” Khachanov instructed reporters after the quarter-final.
“I just wanted to show strength and support to my people. That’s it.”
The messages have infuriated the Azerbaijan Tennis Federation, who despatched a memo to the International Tennis Federation demanding motion in opposition to Khachanov.
But the 18th seed mentioned he hadn’t been instructed to not write the messages.
“I didn’t hear anything about that … so far, no.”
The Azerbaijan Tennis Federation described his actions as a “hateful act”.
“Karen Khachanov… attracted attention with his hateful act,” the organisation mentioned in an announcement.
“The Azerbaijan Tennis Federation letter presented facts and legal documents regarding the provocation against Azerbaijan.
“The ATF condemned this act and demanded the tennis participant be punished and urged the (ITF) to take harsh measures for prevention of such incidents sooner or later.”
