Elina Svitolina refuses to play against Russian or Belarussian players at the upcoming tournaments in Monterrey and the US. She urged the WTA< ATP and ITF to follow the recommendations of the IOC to accept Russian and Belarusian athletes only as neutral players without displaying their national flags, anthems, and symbols.
“I believe the current situation requires a clear position from our organizations: ATP, WTA, ITF. As such, we – Ukrainian players – requested to ATP, WTA, and ITF to follow the recommendations of the IOC to accept Russian or Belarussian nationals only as neutral athletes, without displaying any national symbols, colors, flags, or anthems”, wrote Elina Svitolina in the social networks. “Accordingly, I want to announce that I will not play tomorrow in Monterrey, nor any other match against Russian or Belarussian tennis players until our organizations take this necessary decision”, adds her post.
However, Elina Svitolina did not blamed any of the Russian athletes for the Russian invasion in Ukraine.
“I do not blame any of the Russian athletes. They are not responsible for the invasion of our motherland. Moreover, I wish to pay tribute to all the players, especially Russians and Belarussians, who bravely stated their position against the war. Their support is essential”, finished Elina Svitolina.
Earlier, the Russian tennis player Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova has opposed Russia’s war in Ukraine.
