Monterrey – Ukrainian tennis player Yelina Switolina will not play against a Russian or Belarusian opponent at the tournament in Monterrey. The 27-year-old made the announcement on Instagram.
On behalf of all Ukrainian players, she called on the men’s organisation ATP, the women’s organisation WTA and the world federation ITF to follow the recommendation of the International Olympic Committee and allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete only as neutral athletes, without national symbols, colours, flags or anthem.
At the same time, she stressed in her post that she was not blaming any Russian athlete for the attack on Ukraine. “Rather, I would like to express my appreciation to all the players, especially Russian and Belarusian, who courageously expressed their position against the war,” Svitolina wrote. “Their support is essential. “
In a Eurosport interview on Sunday, she had said she was worried about her family in Ukraine. In addition, the world number 15 announced she would donate her upcoming prize money to the army and humanitarian causes.
“Every time I talk to my family and friends, it’s hard to find words for what’s happening with Ukraine,” she said. “My parents, my grandparents, my uncle and my aunt live there. I try to talk to them regularly.” She said it was important to keep in touch to find out exactly what was happening and how she could help them. “The most painful thing is that I feel completely useless. “