Tennis Australia on January 17 banned Russian and Belarusian flags at the Australian Open after Ukraine's ambassador demanded action when they were seen among the crowd. The red, white, and blue stripes of Russia were held up by fans on January 16 during a first-round clash between Ukraine's Kateryna Baindl and Russia's Kamilla Rakhimova on day one. Ukrainian fans reportedly called security and police to the stands. "Flags from Russia and Belarus are banned onsite at the Australian Open," Tennis Australia said in a statement. To read the original AFP story, click here.
Russia And Belarus Flags Banned At Australian Open After Ukraine Protest
Ukraine's Kateryna Baindl celebrates after winning against Russia's Kamilla Rakhimova in their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne on January 16.