The tennis star stated that she will not play against Russian opponent in next match. The Ukrainian Tennis Federation is considering an appeal to the International Tennis Federation (ITF) as a result of this decision, while others are urging Svitolina to change her mind and reconsider playing against Kurilova.
Ukrainian tennis star Elina Svitolina has refused to play Russian opponent Anastasia Potapova next match.
At the Monterrey Open, Elina Svitolina will not play her next match (photo: Robert Prange/Getty Images).
Despite the continuing war in her native country, Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina swears she will not face Russian opponent Anastasia Potapova at the Monterrey Open.
Following Wladimir Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine last week, the tournament’s No. 1 seed turned to social media to call on the Women’s Tennis Association and the International Tennis Federation to take action against Russian athletes.
While FIFA has barred all Russian football teams from playing, and Formula One has canceled this year’s Russian Grand Prix, tennis’ regulatory organizations have kept mute.
Svitolina claims she has no animosity against her Russian opponent, but she will not play her in Tuesday’s match.
Visit our live blog for the most up-to-date information on the Russia-Ukraine conflict: Russia-Ukraine live
‘Dear everybody, I feel the present situation deserves a clear statement from our organizations: ATP, WTA, and ITF,’ she said on Instagram.
‘As a result, we – Ukrainian players – demanded that the ATP, WTA, and ITF adopt the IOC’s guidelines and allow Russian or Belarusian citizens exclusively as neutral athletes, with no national insignia, colors, flags, or anthems displayed.’
‘As a result, I’d like to declare that I will not play in Monterrey tomorrow, nor in any subsequent match against Russian or Belarusian tennis players, unless our organizations make this important choice.’
‘I don’t hold any of the Russian athletes responsible. They are not to blame for our motherland’s invasion.
‘I also want to pay thanks to all of the players, particularly Russians and Belarusians, who have valiantly shown their opposition to the conflict.’
‘Their help is critical.’
Svitolina’s statements have yet to be responded to by the WTA, and it is uncertain who will advance to the next round.
See also: Tennis
The International Olympic Committee advised all sport’s chiefs and regulatory organizations not to let Russian or Belarussian athletes or officials to compete in any organized international tournaments on Monday.
‘We are dedicated to fair contests for everyone without prejudice,’ the IOC said in a statement. However, the present conflict in Ukraine has placed the Olympic Movement in a difficult position.
‘While athletes from Russia and Belarus would be allowed to continue competing in sporting competitions, many athletes from Ukraine are unable to do so due to the country’s aggression.
‘This is a conundrum that can’t be solved.’ As a result, the IOC Executive Board has carefully evaluated the situation today and adopted the following resolution with a sad heart:
‘To protect the integrity of global sports competitions and the safety of all participants, the IOC Executive Board recommends that International Sports Federations and sports event organizers do not invite or allow Russian and Belarussian athletes and officials to compete in international competitions.’
Sergiy Stakhovsky, a tennis legend from Ukraine, offers an impassioned interview in which he swears to battle Russia.
MORE: After Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, Russian tennis star Daniil Medvedev is ‘all for peace.’
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