via Reuters
Tennis – French Open – Roland Garros, Paris, France – June 4, 2022 Poland’s Iga Swiatek reacts during the trophies ceremony after winning the women’s singles final match against Cori Gauff of the U.S. REUTERS/Yves Herman
via Reuters
Tennis – French Open – Roland Garros, Paris, France – June 4, 2022 Poland’s Iga Swiatek reacts during the trophies ceremony after winning the women’s singles final match against Cori Gauff of the U.S. REUTERS/Yves Herman
French Open winner Iga Swiatek has been utterly dominant this year picking up the second Grand Slam of her career in Paris. With a 35-match win streak, she has equaled Venus Williams’ record for the longest winning streak in the 21st century.
Swiatek has also sported a Ukraine flag on her cap throughout the tournament due to their ongoing conflict with Russia. She first addressed the situation back in February in Doha, a few days after the Russian invasion.
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Iga Swiatek delivers a bold message in Paris
The World No. 1 beat American Coco Gauff, 6-1 6-3, to lift her second Suzanne-Lenglen trophy after her win in 2020. During the trophy presentation, the Polish star had kind words for the citizens of Ukraine during the ongoing crisis. She said, “I would like to say something to Ukraine. Stay strong, the war is still there.”
“Since my first speech in Doha (in February) basically I was hoping when I am doing the next one the situation will be better. But I still have hopes and try to support so thank you guys,” she added.
Additionally, her country, Poland, has provided maximum shelter for their war-stricken neighbors. The government has let in 75,085 Ukrainians seeking refuge, according to the latest EU data.
Will players withdraw from Wimbledon this year?
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The All-England tennis club took a decision to ban all Russian and Belarusian athletes from participating in the tournament. However, both the ATP and WTA have taken similar stances for international competitions but have allowed them to compete on the tour as a ‘neutral.’
via Imago
Russia’s Davis Cup team with Shamil Tarpischev, team captain, Karen Khachanov, Daniil Medvedev, Evgeny Donskoy, Andrey Rublev and Konstantin Zhzhenov, during the draw ceremony in the Swiss Tennis Arena in Biel, Switzerland, on Thursday, January 31, 2019. Switzerland will be face Russia in the tennis Davis Cup qualification final round. EPA-EFE/PETER SCHNEIDER
Now, both associations have taken a decision to remove ranking points from Wimbledon in protest. The winners of Grand Slams are usually awarded 2000 points in the world rankings. As a result, this could see major names withdraw from the tournament in support of the ATP and WTA.
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This will also affect the situation for World No. 2 Daniil Medvedev, who is close to the top seed, Novak Djokovic. The Championships start on the 27th of June this year.
