Azerbaijan tennis chiefs demand action against Karen Khachanov over ‘provocative’ messages
Australian Open semi-finalist Karen Khachanov is at the centre of a political row after using his matches to voice support for the breakaway region of Artsakh.
Historically part of Armenia, Artsakh, or the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, is internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan and has been the source of two conflicts since 1990 as well as frequent skirmishes, including what is currently being described as a blockade.
Khachanov, who is Russian but has an Armenian father, has twice written messages on the camera lens after victories during the tournament calling for Artsakh to “stay strong”, while Melbourne’s Armenian community have brought flags of the region to the venue.
Russian-Armenian tennis star, Karen Khachanov has made it to the #AustralianOpen Quarter Finals and once again wrote a message of solidarity on the @Channel9 camera standing in solidarity with #Artsakh.
Keep believing all the way until the end! Artsakh Stay Strong
🇦🇲🇦🇺✊ pic.twitter.com/vQFNyHGIII
— Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANC-AU) (@ANCaustralia) January 22, 2023
“I have Armenian roots,” Khachanov said after defeating Sebastian Korda in the quarter-finals at Melbourne Park.
“From my father’s side, from my grandfather’s side, even from my mom’s side. I’m half Armenian. To be honest, I don’t want to go deeper than that, and I just wanted to show strength and support to my people. That’s it.”
Khachanov’s actions prompted the Azerbaijan Tennis Federation to write a letter of protest to the International Tennis Federation.
#Artsakh flags make their debut at the #AusOpen
Khachanov has utilised his platform throughout the campaign to speak out against Azerbaijan’s over 40 day #ArtsakhBlockade and Melbourne’s Armenian community is joining him.#RoadOfLife #auspol pic.twitter.com/0OylplhcLF
— Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANC-AU) (@ANCaustralia) January 22, 2023
Calling the messages a “provocation” and a “hateful act”, a statement from the ATF concluded: “Although it has become customary for tennis players to write their heartfelt words about the joy of victory on the camera lens, Khachanov used it to implement his cunning plan.
“The Azerbaijan Tennis Federation sent a protest letter to the International Tennis Federation (ITF) considering that this provocation is unacceptable. In the letter, the facts and legal documents related to the provocation directed against our country were presented.
“The Azerbaijan Tennis Federation condemns this incident, and in order to prevent such a situation from happening again, it has been requested to punish the tennis player and to take stricter measures to prevent such incidents in the future. We hope that the matter will be resolved objectively soon.”
The ITF is yet to make any public comment about the matter but Khachanov, who was unaware of the Azerbaijan response, said he had not been told anything by officials regarding further messages.
Khachanov reached a second consecutive Grand Slam semi-final after American Korda retired with a wrist injury trailing 7-6 (7-5), 6-3, 3-0.
Latest
-
Tennis News
Andy Murray issues ‘very disappointing’ injury update as he pulls out of two tournaments
“This is very disappointing news for Andy and he has reiterated his desire to get back on court as soon as possible.”
-
Tennis News
Elena Rybakina addresses Roger Federer trait she shares and makes confession about Miami run
“I think it’s just the character, but also if sometimes you can notice that I’m also negative.”
-
Tennis News
Carlos Alcaraz candidly admits how Grigor Dimitrov made him feel in Miami masterclass
“I was talking to my team saying that I don’t know what I have to do. I don’t know his weakness.”
-
ATP Tour
Carlos Alcaraz forced to accept brutal reality as he slumps to shock Miami Open defeat
Carlos Alcaraz could have no complaints as he was forced to accept the brutal reality that he was beaten by a better player.
-
Tennis News
Alexander Zverev just happy to be back competing against the best
Alexander Zverev has said that he savours being competitive in big tournaments.
-
Tennis News
WTA star announces that she is expecting a baby girl
Alison Riske-Amritraj will be having a daughter.
-
ATP Tour
Jannik Sinner breaks new ground for an Italian player with $20 million milestone
Jannik Sinner will become the first Italian player to bank $20 million in ATP Tour prize money after the Miami Open.
-
Tennis News
Carlos Alcaraz identifies key Grigor Dimitrov threat as he seeks revenge in Miami showdown
Carlos Alcaraz and Grigor Dimitrov have looked ahead to their Miami Open match.
-
WTA Tour
Charleston Open hand former No 1 wildcard to start her clay season
Wildcards were forthcoming for former world No 1 Caroline Wozniacki, world No 13 Beatriz Haddad Maia, and Charleston-native Shelby Rogers.
-
Tennis News
Former world No 1 weighs in on Iga Swiatek’s ‘aura’ as he makes ‘intimidating’ claim
“The more accomplishments Iga Swiatek has, the more intimidating it is to play her.”