Iga Swiatek criticizes WTA management for Ukraine-Russia war

Being the best tennis player on the planet has implications that go far beyond sport. Every Swiatek He has fully understood the importance he holds as a benchmark for young people and leader of the entire WTA circuit. Her words must be taken into account since she is a person with enough charisma and packaging to promote changes and be fundamental in the growth of women’s tennis, as well as in the transmission of values ​​through the loudspeaker that she offers this sport. After reaching the quarterfinals of the WTA 1000 Indian Wells 2023the Polish player wanted to make a clear call to attention about the tense situation in the locker room due to the coexistence between Russian and Ukrainian tennis players, showing a clear criticism of how the highest entity in women’s tennis is managing the situation.

“We are experiencing something very complicated, there is great tension in the locker room and I think we do not have the necessary leadership to regulate according to what behaviors. To be honest, I am very surprised to see Russian girls wearing football team shirts from their country, for example. I don’t think it’s good for anyone to show that kind of feeling, no matter how much they’re a fan of that team, and I hope they’ve realized it,” says Iga, referring to the controversy generated by Anastasia Potapova, who took to the track in Indian Wells wearing the Spartak Moscow shirt. I spoke to the WTA officials about this and they told me that these situations will not happen again, which made me quite relieved,” said Iga.

Swiatek believes that elite tennis players must assume responsibility as references that are

Questioned by the withdrawal of Lesia Tsurenko due to a bout of anxiety about the war, Swiatek was very empathetic. “I understand perfectly. It must be almost impossible to stay focused every week to be able to compete considering that your country is at war. I can’t imagine what I would do if they were bombing Poland. I think we should all focus more on helping athletes Ukrainians, provide them with everything they need and take care of their families. I’m going to get involved in it because I don’t think everything is being done right now. We are an example for many children and we have a responsibility as elite athletes. I believe that tennis players Russian women should be more sensitive when it comes to behaving,” said one Every Swiatek whose statements have been widely applauded in Ukraine.