Azerbaijan Tennis Federation appeals to ITF over provocation of Russian athlete

The Azerbaijan Tennis Federation (ATF) has sent a letter to the International Tennis Federation.

Report informs that the letter says an unpleasant incident occurred at the Australian Open tennis tournament of the Grand Slam series.

On January 20, Armenian-born Russian representative Karen Khachanov, who played in the 1/16 final game in the men's race, committed an act of hatred. When writing his heartfelt words after defeating his opponent Francis Tiafon of the United States with a score of 3:1, he concluded by noting, 'Artsakh stay strong' on the camera lens. While 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 letter presents the facts and legal documents related to the provocation directed against Azerbaijan.

The Azerbaijan Tennis Federation condemns this incident, and urges to discipline the tennis player and to take stricter measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

"We hope that the issue will be resolved soon," the federation says.