Swiatek, critical of tennis’ role after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

The number 1 in the world Iga Swiatek appeared again vehemently against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and declared that angry that tennis has not taken a strong position in the conflict imposes a blanket ban on players from Russia and its ally Belarus. Wimbledon banned players from both countries last year, but said in March that they would now be accepted as neutral athletes.

“After World War II, German players were not allowed, as well as Japanese and Italian (players), and I feel like this kind of thing would show the Russian government that maybe it’s not worth it.“Swiatek told the BBC on Wednesday.

“We are only sportsmen, a small part of the world, but sport is very important and sport is always used for propaganda.… Tennis, from the beginning, could have done a little better to show everyone that tennis players are against the war,” explained Swiatek.

“Tennis didn’t do it and now it’s a bit unfair if the situation changes, because this decision should have been made a year ago,” added Swiatek.

Russian and Belarusian players compete on tours and in other Grand Slams as neutral athletes. the belarusian Aryna Sabalenkawho won this year’s Australian Open, said he struggled to understand the “hate” in the locker room.

Swiatek described the atmosphere in the locker room as “pretty tense”. “It’s not their fault that they have a passport like that…their situation is quite complicated and it’s hard for them to speak out loud about it.”said the 21-year-old.

“On the other hand, we all have some kind of impact and we must go the way that will help stop Russian aggressionat least until the decisions made by the federations”, closed.