UKRAINIAN tennis star Elina Svitolina has refused to play her Russian opponent in her next match.
The world No15 is the top seed at the Monterrey Open in Mexico this week.
Elina Svitolina refused to play her Russian opponent due to the war in her homeland Ukraine
Svitolina was due to play Anastasia Potapova at the Monterrey Open
But she was drawn to face Russian 20-year-old Anastasia Potapova on Tuesday night.
However, with her homeland current invaded and being attacked by Vladimir Putin’s army, Svitolina revealed she will not take to the court in a brave boycott.
But the 2018 Wimbledon semi-finalist did make it clear she did not blame the Russian athletes – although does want the tennis federations to take action.
Svitolina, 27, wrote on Instagram: “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.
“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.
“Their support is essential.”
The WTA are yet to respond and their website still has Svitolina vs Potapova on its Monterrey Open centre court schedule for tonight.
Potapova released her own statement to hit out at her nation’s government and their shocking actions to send troops into Ukraine – and the consequence it is having on innocent athletes’ careers.
She said: “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. 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.
“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, practising, 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, tears and war.
“The peace unites the world, and everyone should remain human in it. And children should continue to dream.”
Russian star Daniil Medvedev was crowned the new world No1 on Monday – the first man outside of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray to be top of the rankings since 2004.
He wrote on Twitter: “It’s a huge honour to take over this spot.
“I’m sure everyone can understand it comes with mixed emotions that it happens this week.
“Thank you to my wife, team, sponsors, friends, & everyone that has helped along the way.
“It’s a long journey and I look forward to the years ahead.”
SPORT TAKES STANCE
Olympic chiefs finally stood up for the people of Ukraine yesterday by urging sporting sanctions against Russia and Belarus.
The International Olympic Committee said: “The IOC recommends that International Sports Federations and event organisers not invite or allow the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials in international competitions.”
Fifa and Uefa eventually banned Russian football teams from competing in their tournaments which saw Spartak Moscow booted out of the Europa League and Russia’s national side from their World Cup play-offs.
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