Organisers have banned Russian and Belarusian flags at the tournament after a Russian flag was seen in the stands during Monday’s match between Ukraine’s Kateryna Baindl and Russia’s Kamilla Rakhimova. To back it up a bit… Russian and Belarusian tennis players have not been able to play under their countries’ flags since the start of the Ukraine war – but before yesterday, fans were allowed to display their flags. The flag ban was called for by Ukraine’s ambassador to Oz, Vasyl Myroshnychenko. As for what’s happening on the court, Queensland wildcard Kimberly Birrell pulled off a big upset to join fellow Aussie Olivia Gadecki in the 2nd round. And there are plenty of Aussie men to cheer on – Alex de Minaur, Thanasi Kokkinakis, John Millman, Jason Kubler, Alexei Popyrin, Aleksandar Vukic, Max Purcell and debutante Rinky Hijikata. They are into the 2nd round or have first-round matches to complete after rain disrupted play in Melbourne last night.