I don’t play against the Russians. Ukrainians criticize world tennis, sisters have fled the country

On Monday, Kostostova and Curenko published an open letter to tennis organizations. They expressed considerable surprise and dissatisfaction with the insufficient response to the situation in their country.

“It is particularly strange that in previous cases of social justice and sexual harassment, the tennis management’s response has been swift, appropriate and courageous,” they wrote.

“Our country is under a brutal attack by a nuclear power. Bombs and rockets are falling on our houses, killing our people, destroying our lives,” the players continued.

The tennis players demand that the WTA immediately condemn the Russian government, withdraw all tournaments from Russia and call on the ITF sister organization to do the same.

The International Tennis Federation (ITF) has so far announced in a statement the cancellation of all events taking place in Russia, for an indefinite period. She promised to continue to monitor the situation, listen to the authorities and come up with measures. However, it has not taken further steps since Friday, which the Ukrainians do not like.

According to them, tennis organizations should ban Russian players from using state symbols. Ukrainian tennis players are not trying to keep the Russians from playing.

“We fully support our Russian colleagues. We understand that the attack takes place without their knowledge and participation.”

However, the Ukrainian Tennis Association called on the ITF to immediately expel Russia and Belarus from the organization.

“Russia and Belarus have the right not only to hold international competitions on their territory, but also to participate in ITF team competitions and individual tournaments abroad,” the letter said.

Meanwhile, Ukraine’s most famous tennis player, Elina Svitolinová, refuses to compete against Russian Anastasia Potapova at a tournament in Monterrey, Mexico. The reasons are the same.

“We Ukrainian tennis players are asking the ATP, WTA and ITF to accept Russians and Belarusians only as neutral athletes, without national symbols, colors, flags and anthems,” said a bronze holder from last year’s Olympics in Tokyo.

“Until the necessary decisions are made, I will not play against any Russian or Belarusian,” the Odessa native added, but at the same time refused to throw any blame on the Russian athlete.

“They are not responsible for the invasion of my homeland. In addition, I would like to commend all players, especially Russian and Belarusians, who have bravely expressed their anti-war stance. Their support is crucial,” said the 27-year-old tennis player.

Russian male stars, Andrei Rublyov, and the new world number one, Daniil Medvedev, have clearly defined themselves against the war in Ukraine. But people in Russia will not find out from the official media.

Russia’s Potapova wrote in response that she felt hostage to the current situation.

“It is difficult to explain to people that no country is an enemy to me. I am against grief, tears, war. Peace unites the world and everyone should remain human,” said the 20-year-old player.

Her compatriot Anastasia Pavlyuchenko also issued a statement describing similar unpleasant feelings. At the same time, she expressed a clear disagreement with President Vladimir Putin’s actions.

“I have represented Russia all my life. It is my home. But now I live in fear, as do my friends and family. But I am not afraid to take a clear stand: I am against war and violence,” the World Fourteen wrote on social media.

Russia’s highest-ranking leader has admitted to being confused. “And I don’t know how to help. I’m just an athlete. I’m not a politician, I have no experience in this. I can only disagree publicly and talk openly about it.”

“Stop violence, stop war,” Pavlyuchenko concluded.

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