Russian tennis player Karen Khachanov wrote on camera "Artsakh stay strong" after his victory over American Francis Tiafoe in the third round match of the Australian Open. Leaving the court, Khachanov left a message for the people of the region, which is located in the Caucasus.
Territorial disputes between Armenia and Azerbaijan around the region with the historical name of Artsakh are not subsiding. In December 2022, Armenia said that despite international agreements, Azerbaijani activists, supported by the authorities, are blocking the only road that connects this territory to Armenia, leading to a humanitarian crisis in the region. The international community is not responding to the situation.
Karen Khachanov is of Armenian descent by father. There were no other statements from the athlete at the post-match press conference.
Khachanov defeated Tiafoe in four sets, 6-3, 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (11-9). His next opponent will be Japanese Yoshihito Nishioka.