World number one tennis player Novak Djokovic has been dragged into a geopolitical tension after his father, Srdjan Djokovic, posed for a picture with pro-Russia demonstrators wearing a ‘Z’ symbol. The incident has sparked a warning from Tennis Australia and a response from Srdjan Djokovic.

The ‘Z’ symbol is seen as a sign of support for Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, and has been a source of controversy in the past.

In a video released by the New York Post, Srdjan Djokovic can be seen wearing a t-shirt with the ‘Z’ symbol and posing with the demonstrators.

Tennis Australia issued a warning and said in a statement, “We are aware of the video and are disappointed that Novak Djokovic’s father chose to wear a shirt with a political slogan and pose for photographs with a group of people wearing political slogans. This is not in keeping with our values as a sport.”

In response to the incident, Srdjan Djokovic issued a statement saying, “I am aware of the video and the attention it has generated. I want to make it clear that I did not intend to make a political statement, and I regret any offence caused.”

He added, “I will not be attending any of Novak’s matches at the Australian Open semifinal and I apologize for any distraction this has caused.”

Novak Djokovic has yet to comment on the incident.