Ukrainian tennis star Tsurenko gives up forfeit

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The number 2 in the world Aryna Sabalenka (24) is without a fight in the fourth round of the WTA 1000 tournament in Indian Wells. Her opponent Lesia Tsurenko (33) gave up after a panic attack before the third round match.

The reason for the Ukrainian’s panic attack is a conversation with WTA boss Steve Simon that took place a few days earlier. It was about the participation of Russian and Belarusian players in the WTA tournaments, as their homeland has been waging an offensive war against Ukraine since February 2022.

No support for Ukrainian players?

However, according to Tsurenko, Simon did not respond to her. He himself does not support the war. However, the WTA chief advised the Ukrainian player not to get angry if a player from Russia or Belarus supports the war.

In addition, Simon also assumes that Russian and Belarusian players will be allowed to participate in the Olympic Games. According to Tsurenko, the former tennis player also did not respond to her request for support for Ukrainian players.

“I broke down mentally”

The world number 95 says: “This conversation has left me in shock. I tried to process everything, but I collapsed mentally.” That’s why she forfeited her match against Sabalenka from Belarus.

The WTA told The Tennis Podcast after the incident, “The WTA has consistently shown full support for Ukraine and we strongly condemn the actions of the Russian government.” However, one of the federation’s most fundamental principles is that every athlete should be able to participate in tournaments on the basis of his or her merit – regardless of the political decisions of their governments.

Incomprehensible to Sabalenka. However, she hopes to collect herself and prepare for the next tournament. (byl)

Source : Blick