Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina refuses to play Russia’s Anastasia Potapova unless WTA take action

Ukrainian tennis player Elina Svitolina has insisted she will not play Russian opponent Anastasia Potapova at the Monterrey Open unless the WTA and the ITF take action. 

The 27-year-old, who is seeded first for the tournament, has not officially withdrawn but has refused to play Potapova amid Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine last week. 

Posting on her Instagram, the world number 15 wrote: “Dear all, I believe the current situation requires a clear position from our organisations: ATP, WTA and ITF.

“As such we – Ukrainian players – requested to ATP, WTA and ITF to follow the recommendations of the IOC to accept Russian or Belarusian nationals only as neutral athletes, without displaying any national symbols, colours, flags or anthems.

“Accordingly, I want to announce that I will not play tomorrow in Monterrey, nor any other match against Russian or Belarusian tennis players until our organisations take this necessary decision.”

While Svitolina stressed she wanted action to be taken against Russian and Belarusian athletes, she also emphasised that she had nothing against them personally. 

“I do not blame any of the Russian athletes,” she said. “They are not responsible for the invasion of our motherland.

“Moreover, I wish to pay tribute to all the players, especially Russians and Belarusians, who bravely stated their position against the war.

“Their support is essential.”

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