Tennis Australia says it has advised its players against competing in Russia following reports that Davis Cup team member Thanasi Kokkinakis was featured in an exhibition in St. Petersburg two months ago.

Australian tennis bosses stepped in after Thanasi Kokkinakis defied advice by competing in a Russian exhibition. The world No. 71 entered the North Palmyra Trophies event in St Petersburg at the end of November. In an interview for the tournament, he said the city and the people were “really nice”.

Tennis Australia has recently issued a strong warning to its players, urging them not to participate in events held in Russia. This follows reports that Thanasi Kokkinakis, a member of the Australian Davis Cup team,