Karen Khachanov wrote: “Don’t forget your roots” on a TV camera in support of “my people” after reaching his first Australian Open semi-final.

The world No.18, who was banned from Wimbledon, is not allowed to play here under a Russian flag following the invasion of Ukraine.

But the Olympic silver medallist is half Armenian and has used his run to bring attention to tension in the disputed region of Artsakh - or Nagorno Karabakh - which is an Armenian enclave in Azerbaijan. Armenia claims the area has been blockaded by Azerbaijan since December 12.

After his previous two victories here, Khachanov wrote post-match messages on the TV camera: “Keep believing until the very end. Artsakh, hold on!” and "Artsakh stay strong".

Dubai-based Khachanov, whose father Abgar is Armenian, explained: “I have Armenian roots. From my father's side, from my grandfather's side, even from my mum's side. I'm half Armenian. I just wanted to show strength and support to my people. That's it.”

But Khachanov’s protests have caused the Azerbaijan Tennis Federation to write to the International Tennis Federation to complain about his “provocation” and “dirty plans” and called for him to be punished.

US Open semi-finalist Khachanov reached the last four in his second consecutive Grand Slam when Seb Korda retired with a wrist injury while trailing 7-6 6-3 3-0.

There could be an all-Russian men’s final with Andrey Rublev also still in the competition while Belarussia’s Victoria Azarenka will face Moscow-born Elena Rybakina in the first women’s semi-final.

Azarenka shocked American world No.3 Jessica Pegula 6-4 6-1 to reach her first semi-final here since winning her second title in 2013.

The No.24 seed, who gave birth to her son Leo in December 2016, said: “It’s actually my dog’s birthday today. I miss my dog (Guapo) so much. I have become a dog mum as well. I have two kids now.”

And Wimbledon champion Rybakina followed up her victory over world No.1 Iga Swiatek by beating Jelena Ostapenko 6-2 6-4.