The ambassador to Australia lashes out violently over a fan’s prohibited action at the Australian Open

Ukraine’s ambassador to Australia has lashed out after a renegade fan flouted Australian Open rules by displaying a Russian flag during a match with a Ukrainian tennis star on Monday.

Diplomat Vasyl Myroshnychenko slammed tournament organizers after the flag appeared on an outdoor court during the first-round match between Russia’s Kamilla Rakhimova and Ukraine’s Kateryna Baindl.

Australian Open rules have banned the display of Russian flags because of the country’s invasion of Ukraine, and Russian and Belarusian stars must compete as neutral players who must compete “without flags or country recognition” under Tennis Australia regulations.

Myroshnychenko took to Twitter to blast the fan and send a message to tournament bosses after Baindl won the duel 7-5 6-7 6-1.

The banned display of the Russian flag took place when Ukraine’s Kateryna Baindl defeated Russia’s Kamilla Rakhimova in the first round on Monday

Ukraine’s Ambassador to Australia Vasyl Myroshnychenko slammed the ad in an angry tweet after the game

“I strongly condemn the display of the Russian flag during today’s Australian Open match by Ukrainian tennis player Kateryna Baindl,” he wrote.

“I call on Tennis Australia to immediately enforce its ‘neutral flag’ policy.”

Myroshnychenko issued a statement earlier this month calling for a ban on players playing the Down Under Grand Slam.

“I will seek a meeting with the Chairman and CEO of Tennis Australia to set out my government’s position and understand why Tennis Australia has not followed Wimbledon’s example… in the face of genocidal war crimes there is no place for neutrality. ‘ he wrote.

The Australian governing body has refused to change its policy, which falls short of action taken at the Grand Slam in England last year when Russian and Belarusian players were prevented from taking part.

Tennis fans supported Myroshnychenko’s stance when they criticized the fan’s behavior at Melbourne Park.

Kateryna Baindl won her duel with Kamilla Rakhimova 7:5, 6:7, 6:1 despite the sight of the Russian flag in the stands

Russian and Belarusian stars – like Daniil Medvedev (pictured), who can win the men’s singles title – must compete at the Open as neutrals and are not allowed to play under their country’s flag or name

“This is a disgrace, kick her out and ban her for life,” wrote one commenter.

“Ashamed my country will let the Russians play the Opens this year,” tweeted another.

“As an Aussie, I am deeply embarrassed. What the hell,’ added a third.

“I was at Ostapenko’s game against Yastremska, also Ukrainians, no interfering flags there, probably because every entrance has attendants to stop it. The outside courts only have the odd security guard,” noted another fan.

Several players are unable to compete under their national flag due to Tennis Australia’s stance.

Daniil Medvedev, the world number eight – finalist at last year’s Australian Open – is Russian, as is Daria Kasatkina. Victoria Azarenka and Aryna Sabalenka are from Belarus.