Barbora Krejcikova weighed in on the dressing room tensions debate by blaming Russian players. In recent weeks, there has been more and more talk about the gap between Russian and Ukrainian tennis stars. The former French Open champion has admitted she ‘avoids’ those who fuel the problem.
Many players have debated the “tensions” in the locker room in recent weeks, starting with the withdrawal of Ukrainian Lesia Tsurenko from her match against Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka. Several Ukrainian players like Tsurenko and Marta Kostyuk believe things have been difficult between them and their Russian counterparts behind the scenes.
Sabalenka also claimed some had been “very aggressive” towards the Belarusians, while compatriot Victoria Azarenka was unwilling to talk about any issues after world number one Iga Swiatek came to the defense of the Ukrainians. Krejcikova, the 12th player in the world, spoke after the Czech Republic took on Ukraine in the Billie Jean King Cup qualifier.
“I have been in contact with them since the start of the war,” the 2021 French singles and doubles champion told BTU, speaking of the Ukrainian players. “At the very beginning, I wrote to them to find out if they were okay, if there was anything I could do to help them. I tried to support them. I know what’s going on with them, I follow the news. »
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Asked about the existence of tensions between representatives of Russia and Ukraine at events, the world number 2 in singles replied: “Yes, there is. On both sides “.
Krejcikova was quick to clarify that she believed the Russian players were the source of the problem and that she had tried to “avoid” them. “But there are Russians who are creating the problem,” continued the Czech star.
“They don’t speak in public, but we see what they do in the locker room. Personally, I try to avoid them. The 27-year-old also touched on the Olympics debate, with many people split over whether Russians should be banned from the Paris 2024 Games.
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And she strongly supported a ban, saying: “I think the Olympics have always been a celebration of friendship and peace. And if a country is waging an aggressive war, it is clearly not honoring these ideals. Anyone who supports an attack on a neighboring country has no place in the Olympics”.
Krejcikova also responded to the argument that Russians might be upset about not participating in the Olympics, adding: “One last thing. Of course, someone may be offended that they won’t be allowed to travel to Paris next year. But what about the Ukrainian athletes who, sadly, died defending their country? They have nothing to reproach themselves for and have lost their chance irretrievably and forever”.
