Thanasi Kokkinakis was warned against competing in an exhibition tournament in Russia, because the tournament was backed by a state-owned energy company blacklisted by the Australian government.
According to The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald, Tennis Australia officials warned Kokkinakis against competing in the three-day competition in St Petersburg in December.
The tournament's major sponsor was Gazprom, which has been sanctioned by DFAT since the war in Ukraine began in 2022.
Gazprom has reportedly put together its own private militia to assist president Vladimir Putin's plans to build a gas pipeline to Iran.
Ukraine's ambassador to Australia Vasyl Myroshnychenko said Russia used the tournament for "domestic propaganda purposes".
Thanasi Kokkinakis reportedly ignored advice to not travel to Russia for an exhibition tournament. Getty
"It's very disappointing to basically see an Australian tennis player going to Russia for money at a tournament sponsored by a state-owned enterprise whose proceeds go towards the production of weapons for the war against Ukraine," he said.
"They need these private tournaments to demonstrate that 'we have participants from all over the world'. Russia uses opportunities to showcase to their people 'actually we are not isolated, you see we have people from Europe, from Australia coming over, so everything is fine' so they also use it for their domestic propaganda purposes."
Wide World of Sports is not suggesting Kokkinakis has himself breached any sanctions.
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In a statement that didn't name Kokkinakis, Tennis Australia said players were advised not to compete in Russia.
"For several years, Tennis Australia has publicly and privately supported Ukraine athletes and sought and abided by federal government policy and recommendations in regard to Russia. This support and compliance continues," it read.
"We advise athletes against competing in Russia and are in ongoing discussions with DFAT to provide education to players about the potential ramifications for doing business in this area."
Kokkinakis was knocked out of the Australian Open in the second round by Brit Jack Draper.
