Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Wimbledon: Elina Svitolina says Russians who denounce Ukraine invasion should play

Written by 
Published in Tennis
Thursday, 21 April 2022 01:47

Russian and Belarusian players who speak out against Russia's invasion of Ukraine "should be allowed" to compete at Wimbledon, says Elina Svitolina.

On Wednesday the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) banned players from the two countries from competing at this year's tournament.

Governing bodies the ATP and WTA described the decision as "unfair".

"We don't want them banned completely," Ukrainian Svitolina told BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast.

"If players don't speak out against the Russian government then it is the right thing to ban them.

"We just want them to speak up, if they are with us and the rest of the world or the Russian government. This is for me the main point.

"If they didn't choose, they didn't vote for this government, then it's fair they should be allowed to play and compete."

Svitolina said she did not agree with the governing bodies' reaction to Wimbledon's decision, saying the organisations had not reacted "as quick as we wanted".

On Wednesday she released a lengthy statementexternal-link calling on them to take a harsher stance against Russian and Belarusian athletes.

"We can see there's been sanctions for Russian people. Why should tennis players be different. I don't think they're right," she said.

With friends and family still in Ukraine, Svitolina said her emotions are "up and down" and tennis is no longer her "main focus".

She said: "There are many Russian players who can do more. I can count one hand how many Russian and Belarusian players who have asked me how I'm doing, how is my family, is everyone safe?

"That's why I feel a bit sad about this situation. Personally some people should do a little bit more than they've done. It's mysterious.

"The way Russian and Belarusian players have been is very, very sad. We are colleagues who see each other every week so it's shocking to see this change and so quick."

Read 264 times

Soccer

Marta, Orlando Pride win 1st NWSL Championship

Marta, Orlando Pride win 1st NWSL Championship

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsKANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Barbra Banda's goal stood up as the winner to l...

Ipswich vs Man United: VAR stopped by fire alarm

Ipswich vs Man United: VAR stopped by fire alarm

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsVAR was temporarily suspended during Manchester United's clash at I...

Amorim era begins with fastest Utd goal of season

Amorim era begins with fastest Utd goal of season

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsRúben Amorim was made to wait just 81 seconds for the first goal of...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

'Phenomenal' Pippen Jr. shines in dad's ex-arena

'Phenomenal' Pippen Jr. shines in dad's ex-arena

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsScotty Pippen Jr. already had plenty of fond memories of watching h...

Ball's career-best 50 not enough as Hornets fall

Ball's career-best 50 not enough as Hornets fall

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsLaMelo Ball became the third-youngest player in NBA history, and th...

Baseball

Hays, Finnegan, Rodgers among new free agents

Hays, Finnegan, Rodgers among new free agents

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsNEW YORK -- Outfielder Austin Hays and right-hander Kyle Finnegan -...

Judge giving Soto space amid free agency frenzy

Judge giving Soto space amid free agency frenzy

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsNEW YORK -- Aaron Judge is one of the few people on Earth who can r...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated