Barbara Schett and Mats Wilander hail 'pioneer' WTA stars using their platforms to tackle major societal issues

Ex-tennis stars Barbara Schett and Mats Wilander commended young female players for using their status and social media presence to raise awareness of disturbing issues facing our society, calling for radical action to inspire a brighter future around the world. Rising stars such as Roland Garros champion Iga Swiatek and American teenage sensation Coco Gauff have spoken passionately about emotionally charged subjects at the forefront of world affairs, such as the ongoing war in Ukraine, gun violence in the United States and abortions.

Ad/> Swiatek, 21, and Gauff, 18, have shown great respect, maturity and empathy for their tender age when discussing issues of war and terror. Swiatek, who is in action against Alize Cornet at Wimbledon on Saturday, has now taken action by organising a charity exhibition event — due to take place in Krakow on July 23 — with the proceeds going to the children and teenagers of Ukraine.

WimbledonGauff into round three after impressive win over BuzarnescuYESTERDAY AT 20:56 Schett hailed the likes of Swiatek, Gauff and Naomi Osaka as 'a real inspiration' while describing them as 'pioneers', expressing the need for more of such statements from the men's side of the game. «They're really into political statements, social statements as well and we don't see that on the men's side really,» Eurosport presenter Schett said.

«It's great to see that they care about the world as well and trying to make people aware of what's going on as well. »I would love to see it on the men's side a little bit more as well.

There hasn't been many statements like that, it's usually all around the tennis, but now the girls, they're pioneers, that I have to say. I think they're a real inspiration, not just for the tennis