‘Why Talk About WTA and Not at All About ATP?’- Concerned Martina Navratilova Directs Poignant Criticism at Journalist Over “Neutral” Russian Athletes

The Russia-Ukraine war is getting only intense with each day. The consequences of the war are falling upon the whole world, disrupting even the uninvolved parties. With the involvement of the Wagner group, a mercenary linked to Russia, tension spread across NATO’s border countries as the allies located their presence in Belarus, Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia. The stress has fallen upon the tennis, too, as few Ukrainian players refused to shake hands with Russians and Belarusians.

A journalist wrote a column on war, sports, and his thoughts, which primarily included examples of WTA players. This caught the attention of Martina Navratilova, who engaged in a debate with the writer.

Martina Navratilova questioned the journalist about his views

The column of Peter Bodo, which was published in ‘Tennis,’ did not go well with the tennis legend. Bodo shared his article about how the All-England club banned Russian and Belarusian athletes, comparing it to the pandemic traveling restrictions and opining that tough calls are necessary for authorities to condemn the war strictly.

Navratilova reacted to the column, which was filled with instances including WTA players. She replied, “Why talk about WTA and not at all about ATP??! And what about the NHL (National Hockey League) etc?!? Flat out ban on athletes from the “wrong” countries is just that- wrong.”

To the 18 major singles titles winner’s comment, Bodo straight-out said, “ATP mentioned up top, but the material here is all WTA-related. ATP is just as bad. As for NHL etc., ban them all, they can skate and hit forehands at home. Being a pro athlete is not a human right.”  The 66-year-old retaliated, “By that logic all athletes from communist countries could have been banned. What do the athletes themselves have to do then to be able to compete?” 

The players representing the autocratic nations, as referred to by Bodo, condemned the war, going against their country’s actions. For instance, Aryna Sabalenka, in a press conference during the French Open, said, “Nobody likes war.” The sportswriter shared his opinion on what the athletes ought to do, but Navratilova put him in his place by finally making him agree to her point by not stepping back even once.

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The tennis G.O.A.T. proved her point and took a stance on behalf of the WTA

The writer who accused WTA of not choosing sides amidst the war said that the Russian and Belarusian athletes could simply stop the war by staying at home and not participating in any tournaments. Appalled by this comment, Navratilova returned the fire by enlightening the writer by narrating what Daria Kastakina of Russia had to go through as she condemned the war and came out as a lesbian.

Kastakina, who openly extended her support to Ukraine, feels unsafe in Russia as the government can take action against her. The Hall of Famer slammed Bodo by asking if the Russian could participate in tournaments, and she picked her side. The oldest player to ever win a major also questioned the sportswriter for going beyond boundaries, saying that the solution doesn’t lie with not playing.

Bodo regarded the Russian as a hero and gave his green signal to accept her on tour. He also said all immigrants and athletes who condemn war need not be banned. He predicted that governments would eventually issue bans as the atrocities increase. The 59-time Grand Slams winner said it is not the duty of sporting bodies to make a decision on the ban but the government.

The sportswriter finally wrote that he agreed with Navratilova while supporting his ban stance and declaring that government action would be inevitable. He went against WTA again for not being compassionate towards Ukrainians and praised The All-England Club for doing the opposite. What do our readers have to say about it? Do you think staying neutral is wrong? Are you against the players or the WTA? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

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