DJOK'S ROCKED

Novak reaches his 10th Aussie Open final and reveals how row over pro-Putin flag affected him ..but insists his father's the victim

- NEIL MCLEMAN

NOVAK DJOKOVIC admitted the controversy over his father being filmed with pro-Putin fans had "got" to him after sealing a 10th Australian Open final appearance.

"We are against the war, we never will support any violence or any war, Djokovic said.

The nine-time champ argued with the umpire and grumpily lost a 5-1 lead in the first set before outclassing Tommy Paul (below left) 7-5 6-1 6-2 to set up a showdown with Stefanos Tsitsipas.

Srdjan Djokovic announced he would not attend last night's semifinal to avoid "disruption" after he was filmed posing with fans holding a Russian flag showing the face of President Vladimir Putin (right). One fan was also wearing a T-shirt in support of the invasion of Ukraine.