Karen Khachanov is scheduled to play his semi-final at the Australian Open later this week – what flags can the Russian use?
Karen Khachanov is playing at the Australian Open under a neutral banner because the use of the Russian flag is banned by the ITF. However, Khachanov is actually eligible to use a number of other flags including that of Armenia and the politically controversial region of Artsakh. Although the Russian has chosen not to use any other flag, he has voiced his support for the politically disputed region of Artsakh.
After his win against Sebastian Korda in the quarter-finals, Khachanov wrote on the camera lens: “Keep believing all the way until the end. Artsakh, stay strong.” Artsakh is a politically disputed region which consists of people of Armenian heritage but is internationally recognised as a part of Azerbaijan. It has been the source of two conflicts since 1990 as well as frequent skirmishes, including what is currently being described as a blockade.
The Azerbaijan Tennis Federation has complained to the ITF regarding Karen Khachanov’s actions
Khachanov’s actions at the Australian Open has given rise to a political row involving Azerbaijan and Armenia. Khachanov is a Russian citizen but has an Armenian father and has twice written messages on the camera lens after victories during the tournament calling for Artsakh to ‘stay strong’. Besides that, Melbourne’s Armenian community have brought flags of the region to the venue. The Azerbaijan Tennis Federation has clearly not taken the matter lightly and has written to the ITF calling for appropriate action.
In its official statement, the ATF has stated: “The ATF condemns this act and demands that the tennis player be punished and urges the International Tennis Federation to take harsh measures for prevention of such incidents in the future.” It remains to be seen what actions the ITF takes on this issue in the upcoming days.
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