Novak Djokovic said it “hurts him and me” after they decided that his father would not be courtside to see him win the Australian Open on Sunday, following a controversy over a Russian flag.

Srdjan Djokovic was absent from the Serbian’s box for his final against Stefanos Tsitsipas at Rod Laver Arena, where Djokovic won a record-equalling 22nd Grand Slam title.

A seat next to Djokovic’s mother, usually occupied by Srdjan, was empty.

“We both agreed that it would probably be better that he’s not there,” Djokovic said after winning a 10th Australian Open title.

“That hurts him and me a lot because these are special, unique moments that who knows if they are repeated again.

“It was not easy for him. I saw him after the match and he was not feeling his best, let’s say. He was happy to hug me, but I could see he was a bit sad.”

“In the end we have a happy ending,” the 35-year-old Djokovic added.

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