Swiatek criticizes tennis clubs for dealing with war

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Since the Russian offensive war in Ukraine, sports federations around the world have reacted and banned Russian and Belarusian athletes. In tennis, however, only Wimbledon played, in 2022 no players from the two countries were allowed to participate in the traditional English tournament. All other WTA and ATP tournaments waived a ban and allowed them to compete under a neutral flag.

Not enough for Iga Swiatek (WTA 1). The currently best tennis player in the world tells “BBC” that it should have been handled better “from the start”. “I think you could have done more since the beginning of the war and showed that you are against the war.”

Not enough leadership skills?

The 21-year-old believes that the WTA and ATP have not shown enough leadership qualities and have therefore “caused chaos in tennis”. According to the Pole, a ban could have done a lot: “I know it’s just a small thing, but I think sport is important in the world and has always been used as propaganda.”

However, introducing a ban now would not be the right solution for Swiatek. “Now it would be unfair, you should have done it from the beginning.” According to her, the Russian athletes cannot be blamed: “You can’t help what passport you have, but I think we should have taken every opportunity that could help end the war.”

Ruud praises Wimbledon decision

After last year’s Wimbledon crackdown, the organizers of this year’s event are backtracking: professionals who don’t publicly support the war would be allowed to compete on London’s lawn under a neutral flag.

There was praise for the decision from prominent sources: tennis star Casper Ruud (24, ATP 5) thinks it is fair and beautiful. “You can’t help it where you were born,” says the Norwegian. Especially since most of them did nothing wrong and had agreed from the start to play under a neutral flag, Ruud explains.

Dealing with Russian and Belarusian tennis players continues to generate debate and is likely to remain a hot topic in the tennis circus in the future. (byl)

Source : Blick