‘We Just Feel Anger’- Former Ukrainian Tennis Star Retaliates at the Passivity of Tennis Authorities on Russian Players

Alexandr Dolgopolov, former tennis player from Ukraine, has recently opened up about his present situation. Amidst the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Dolgopolov has returned to Kyiv and is staying there currently to help his people overcome the on-going difficulties. 

Dolgopolov’s reservation against the tennis authorities

In a recent interview to BBC Sport, Dolgopolov wanted the tennis federations to implement a ban on Russian tennis players. 

“Letting them play just by saying a few words they are against war. I don’t believe this is enough.” He has played against world no. 1 Daniil Medvedev and he knows many Russian players on the ATP tour.

Dolgopolov made it clear that he has nothing against the players. The Ukrainian continued,  “I believe Russia should be blocked from any participant in any sport, in any culture.”

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Alexandr Dolgopolov calls for the ban on Russian and Belarusian players

The three tennis federations (ATP, WTA, and ITF) have banned Russia and Belarus from international tennis team competitions and allowed players to partake in events as neutral athletes.

Explaining his opinion further, Dolgopolov added, “Just being neutral, taking away their flag, we know that is not changing anything.” He asserted his case on banning the Russian players from playing any tournament.

Moreover, Alexandr Dolgopolov said it was “inspiring” to witness several Ukrainian sports people including compatriot Sergiy Stakhovsky staying back in Ukraine and contributing to the nation.

Commenting on the message shared by Andrey Rublev and also by Daniil Medvedev to have peace in the world, the Ukrainian player concluded, “I think it is not enough to say ‘we are against war’. We hear ‘we’re against war’ everywhere, in Miss Universe, in the Oscars. Yeah, that’s great, but they don’t ask the children or the women here any questions. We just feel anger.“

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Several tennis players from both the ATP and WTA tours came forward to provide financial need to Ukrainian children. Top stars like Andy Murray and Roger Federer have made their announcements public as the tennis world applauded their noble gesture