Iga Swiatek calls for more support for Ukrainian players and 'better leadership' from WTA at Indian Wells

Iga Swiatek has called for more support for Ukrainian players on the WTA Tour and says there is «a lot of tension» in the locker room at the moment. Ukrainian Lesia Tsurenko said she withdrew from her Indian Wells match against Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka this week after a panic attack following a discussion with WTA chief executive Steve Simon.

Ad Tsurenko told Big Tennis Ukraine she was “shocked” by Simon’s answers about tennis’ response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Russian and Belarusian players have been permitted to play on the WTA Tour without their country’s flag since Russia invaded Ukraine over a year ago.

WTA Indian WellsRaducanu vows to become 'one of best athletes on tour' after Swiatek lossAN HOUR AGO The WTA said in a statement: “First and foremost, we acknowledge the emotions Lesia and all of our Ukrainian athletes have and continue to manage during this very difficult period of time. We are witnessing an ongoing horrific war that continues to bring unforeseen circumstances with far reaching consequences that are affecting the world, as well as the global WTA Tour and its members.

“The WTA has consistently reflected our full support for Ukraine and strongly condemn the actions that have been brought forth by the Russian government. With this, a fundamental principle of the WTA remains, which is ensuring that individual athletes may participate in professional tennis events based on merit and without any form of discrimination, and not penalised due to the decisions made by the leadership of their country.” “There is a lot of tension in the locker room," said Swiatek following her last-16 win over Emma Raducanu.

«Obviously, it's going to be there because there is a war. But maybe it would be a little bit