Ukrainian tennis star Elina Svitolina refuses to play Russian opponent in next match

Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina insists she will not be playing Russian opponent Anastasia Potapova at the Monterrey Open amid the ongoing conflict in her home country.

The No.1 seed for the tournament took to social media to call on the likes of the Women’s Tennis Association and the International Tennis Federation to take action against Russian athletes following Wladimir Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine last week.

While the likes of FIFA have banned all Russian football teams from competing and Formula One have cancelled the Russian Grand Prix this year, tennis’ governing bodies have remained silent.

Svitolina says she doesn’t hold anything against her Russian opponent but will refuse to play her in Tuesday’s match.

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Posting on Instagram she 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.

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‘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.

‘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 Belarusians, who bravely stated their position against the war.

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