Challenges are mounting for Russian tennis players, and the latest controversy is a hard pill to swallow. Imagine being one of the most skilled athletes, clinching a medal at a prestigious event, only to be told you can’t even compete the next time around. It would sting anyone, wouldn’t it? This is exactly the predicament facing Russian tennis stars Aslan Karatsev and Veronika Kudermetova, who find themselves barred from the Paris Olympics before the tournament has even begun. And the reason? Politics!

The Russian players had already lost their national identity. Due to the ongoing complications with Ukraine, the International Olympic Committee(IOC) had earlier decided to entertain the players from the country only if they chose to come under a neutral banner. To ensure that the players are neutral, several tests were marked for the players. However, both Karatstev and Kudermetova seem to have failed in the same as they faced a rejection from both the International Tennis Federation(ITF) and the IOC. 

The final selection list that has been shared, consists of the names of Daniil Medvedev, Roman Safiullin, Pavel Kotov, Ekaterina Alexandrova, Mirra Andreeva, and Diana Shnaider. They will compete under a neutral flag after having passed the tests for it. Interestingly, Kudermetova’s fate was foreseen by the tennis community.

The former World No.9 had played in a uniform that displayed the logo of Tatneft, until last year. Tatneft is a Russian oil and gas company that has witnessed sanctions from the European Union due to its ties with the Putin regime. But, for the 2021 mixed double silver medal winner, Karatstev, the reason for his exclusion is not known.

Had the two players followed the footsteps of their compatriots, Daria Kasatkina and Andrey Rublev, their participation scenario could have been different. For Karatstev, the pain can be more especially because of his attitude of not talking much about tennis.

When Elena Vesnina revealed the introverted nature of his 2021 Olympic Partner Karatsev

Karatstev is one of those players who is not known to make much noise despite his success. The Tokyo Olympics runner-up was also considered a ‘quiet guy’ by his mixed doubles partner Elena Vesnina. Speaking to the Tennis Channel after the semifinal clash at the French Open, Vesnina opened up about her teammate.

“He’s a quiet guy, and he tends to be more introverted with his thoughts about his game,” she remarked about Karatstev. Continuing further, she revealed the help she extended to him. “I do what I can to relax the atmosphere, so I’ll tell him, ‘You’re better. You’re so much better than everyone else on the court. Just play your game, and go with the flow, because you’re playing great and you’re the best.”

As the Summer Olympics in Paris inches closer, it will be interesting to see how the final squad pans out.