The Russian invasion of Ukraine It has caused rivers of ink to flow in all sports. Such a complex conflict has had ramifications that have affected practically all spheres. Although in tennis the Russians and Belarusians can compete under a neutral flag, the veto of Wimbledon last season and the open war that that decision provoked against ATP y WTA It still has an impact to this day. Just a few days ago, it was announced that the English tournament will not establish said veto this year, news that did not go down particularly well with the Ukrainians. So far, all normal… but Lesia Tsurenkoone of the best Ukrainian players today, has decided to open Pandora’s box.
Speaking to BTU, Lesia has hinted that the official reason for her withdrawal from Indian Wells last morning was not due to any physical discomfort. Nor to the reason that would appear in the official document: “personal motives”. Tsurenko has made it clear that he was a panic attack which prevented her from jumping onto the track in California, in a duel in which, as if that were not enough, she was measured against a Belarusian, Aryna Sabalenka. quoting “respiratory problems” Following this attack, one wonders if there is a reason behind this unfortunate experience. It is here when Tsurenko speaks loud and clear and accuses the very president of the WTA, Steve Simonto make a statement… amazing.
“A few days ago I had a conversation with our CEO of the WTA, Steve Simon, and I was in shock from what i heard. He told me that he did not support the war, but that the players from Russia and Belarus they support herwhat that’s your opinionand that the opinion of other people shouldn’t bother me. At the same time, he told me that if this had happened to him and he was in my position, he would have felt horrible.”, affirms Tsurenko convinced. Lesia also made it clear that she has spoken with the rest of the Ukrainian players about the content of this conversation, and that they were all perplexed by Simon’s words. In said dialogue, according to Tsurenko, the president also spoke about the upcoming Olympic Games.
“In addition, he was confident that the Russians and Belarusians will return to the Olympic Games, and said that exactly what is happening in tennis will happen. Furthermore, he stated that ‘fair play’ and Olympic principles would not be violated by this decision, quite the opposite. When I asked him if he understood everything he was telling me, in the middle of the stage of military aggression by Russia in my country, He said yes and that it was his opinion“.
A CONVERSATION WITH A DEVASTATING EFFECT
So, Lesia continued to compete in Indian Wells after this crossover with Simon, but she herself confirms that just thinking about his words made jumping on the track a real ordeal. “This conversation left me in shock. In the last game against Donna Vekic it was incredibly difficult for me to continue playing. Today, when I was about to go out on court, I had a panic attack. I just couldn’t get out there. I hope she can really digest all this information and be able to be ready for the next tournament.”reveals Tsurenko, who also commented that the Ukrainian players have requested a call with the WTA Board of Directors to raise a Formal complaint by Simon’s statements. “I don’t understand how this could have happened, it’s surprising and painful.”
