Ukrainian tennis star refusing to face Russian player unless IOC demand followed

03/01/2022

Ukrainian tennis star Elina Svitolina has promised to withdraw from this week's Monterrey Open in Mexico unless her opponent is barred from representing Russia.

The world No 15 was due to play Anastasia Potapova in her first round match on Tuesday, but the day beforehand took to social media to reveal she would be forfeiting the tie unless the WTA opted to copy the sanctions imposed by the International Olympic Committee [IOC].

Last Friday, barely 24 hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin declared war on Ukraine, the IOC called for sporting events in Russia and Belarus to be moved or cancelled, and stated that the countries' national flags should not be displayed at international sporting events.

And Svitolina, a former Wimbledon and US Open semi-finalist who had already pledged to donate any prize money won to Ukraine's military and relief efforts., called for tennis authorities to follow suit.

"I believe the current situation requires a clear position from our organisations: ATP, WTA and ITF," she wrote.

"As such, we – Ukrainian players – requested to ATP, WTA and ITF to follow the recommendations of the IOC to accept Russian or Belarusian nationals only as neutral athletes, without displaying any national symbols, colours, flags or anthems.

"Accordingly, I want to announce that I will not play tomorrow in Monterrey, nor any other match against Russian or Belarusian tennis players, until our organisations take this necessary decision."

Svitolina did clarify that her decision was not a reflection on Potapova, or any other Russian competitor.

"I do not blame any of the Russian athletes. They are not responsible for the invasion of our motherland," she continued.

"Moreover, I wish to pay tribute to all the players, especially Russians and Belarusians, who bravely stated their position against the war."

On Monday, following Svitolina's plea, the IOC's executive board went further and recommended that all sports federations ban Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials from competing in events.

Potapova, 20, has now responded via an emotional Instagram post, saying Russian athletes were now becoming "hostages" of the conflict.

“As a rule, even in childhood we choose our own path of development. Even when I was a kid, I dreamed of playing tennis without choosing a match, a country or a partner in the game," she said.

“It is difficult to explain to people from politics that for me there is no opponent from any country, I am fighting for victory, my best game, for my result.

"Unfortunately, now we, professional athletes, are essentially becoming hostages of the current situation. Playing tennis is our choice and our dream, to which we go daily, practicing, and constantly trying to be better in our results.”

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