Anastasia Potapova says Russian athletes are ‘hostages of the situation’ as Elina Svitolina match uncertainty continues

Anastasia Potapova has said Russian athletes are becoming “hostages of the current situation” amid the uncertainty over whether she will face Ukrainian Elina Svitolina on Tuesday. World No 15 Svitolina is set to face Potapova in the first round at the Monterrey Open, but cast doubt on her participation in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Ad/> On Monday, Svitolina urged the WTA to follow IOC guidance and ensure Russian and Belarussian tennis players compete as “neutral athletes”, adding that she will not play until this sanction is implemented. WTA MonterreySvitolina refuses to play Russian or Belarusian players, tells WTA to 'take action'16 HOURS AGO It remains to be seen whether the WTA will grant Svitolina’s wishes before the match takes place, while Potapova took to Instagram to speak out against the war.

“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,” Potapova 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. Svitolina refuses to play Russian or Belarusian players, tells WTA to 'take action' ‘I am in complete fear’ — Russian Pavlyuchenkova condemns Moscow’s assault on Ukraine Fleeing home and taking up arms — How tennis reacted to Russia's invasion of Ukraine “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. I’m sorry, but even though I am a stranger to politics, I am against grief,