The identity of the Novak Djokovic 'super fan' who was recently removed from the Australian Open quarter-finals for sporting what appeared to be a pro-Putin 'Z' t-shirt has been revealed.
But American-Serb supporter Zoran Pavlovic has alleged his choice of clothing has nothing to do with Russia's barbaric siege on Ukraine. Four other spectators waving the banned Russian flag were removed from Rod Laver Arena during Djokovic's midweek win over Andrey Rublev.
The 'Z' symbol has been adopted by ultra-nationalists in Russia and beyond as a sign of support for Vladimir Putin and the invasion on Ukraine in general. However, Pavlovic claimed innocence to the police and was also allowed to attend Djokovic's semi-final win over Tommy Paul on Friday after explaining his story.
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“I immediately told them that my name is Zoran and that I am known for t-shirts with the letter 'Z'," Pavlovic told Serb website Kurir. "I also gave them the documents, and the police officers politely apologised to me and let me go. I am an American citizen, I have never had a problem, wherever I am in the world.”
While it may be true that Pavlovic has never had an issue wearing his 'Z' t-shirt elsewhere, it's also the case that the letter has never carried the same significance as it does now. What's more, tensions regarding Russia's war against Ukraine are particularly high in Melbourne following a swell in Russian and Serb supporters.
The flames were stoked further after Djokovic's father, Srdjan, was seen posing with pro-Putin protesters outside Rod Laver Arena and said: "Long live Russia." Djokovic Sr. failed to attend his son's semi-final win over Paul on Friday following widespread backlash.
The Ukrainian ambassador to Australia, Vasyl Myroshnychenko, even went so far as to call for Srdjan Djokovic to be banned from the Australian Open. Retired tennis star Alex Dolgopolov—who is now serving in his country’s army—had the same response when he saw Pavlovic sporting a 'Z' t-shirt on television, tagging the Australian Open as he asked: “This guy will get banned for life, at least for all Australian events, right?"
It was also reported this week that the group of fans removed who were removed for their strong support of Russia had 'threatened security' prior to their removal. If their goal was to prove Russia's actions in neighbouring Ukraine are peaceful, one might suggest it's a contradictory way of going about things.
Djokovic will be back in action one last time in Melbourne on Sunday when he faces Stefanos Tsitsipas in the Australian Open decider. The Serb has failed to lose in nine previous visits to the same stage, while he'll also be seeking his 10th straight victory over Tsitsipas in their head-to-head.
