11:02  ,  January 23, 2023

Azerbaijan Tennis Federation demands penalizing Khachanov 

The Azerbaijan Tennis Federation petitioned to the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and the Russian Tennis Federation, demanding to p discipline Karen Khachanov (Russia) for expressing support for Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) during the Australian Open, reports rsport.ria.ru.

Khachanov's aforesaid actions are considered "unacceptable provocation against Azerbaijan" in Baku.

After reaching the quarterfinals at the Australian Open, the Muscovite Armenian tennis player left a note on the video camera: "Keep believing all the way until the end!!! Artsakh Stay Strong!!!” Khachanov wrote. 

He had reflected on the ongoing Azerbaijani blockade of Artsakh for the first time after his previous win at the Australian Open.

Khachanov explained why, after his two previous wins at the Australian Open, he expressed support for Artsakh, with writing messages on the video camera. 

"I have said many times that I respect and appreciate my [Armenian] roots. I am a citizen of Russia, I represent Russia [in tennis], but I have Armenian blood from my father's and mother's side. I want to support them in any way, to give [them] faith and strength," Karen Khachanov said. 

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