The Russian-Ukraine conflict issues have often sparked a number of controversies in the entire tennis community. Further, the ban on Russian and Belarussian players has also become a debatable subject for various athletes along with the governing bodies in tennis. Taking note of all this, recently, Iga Swiatek opened up about how the interests of the players from the war-affected country, are being neglected by the authorities.
The current world No.1 had further urged the officials to provide more support to Ukrainian players rather than focusing on the drama surrounding the ban imposed on the Russian players. However, there is another WTA superstar, Victoria Azarenka, who has a contradicting opinion on the same. Speaking about it, the former Australian Open champion recently fired back at Swiatek.
Iga Swiatek’s comments on the Russian-Ukraine debate gets a blunt response from Victoria Azarenka
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The Polish tennis player previously threw some criticism on the Russian star Anastasia Potapova, who walked on the court while wearing the soccer jersey of a Russian club. Further, Iga Swiatek has been quite vocal since the Ukrainian tennis player, Lesia Tsurenko controversially pulled out of a match. Her withdrawal caught the attention of many in the tennis community as it was linked to the WTA CEO, Steve Simon.
READ MORE- ‘Became More Aggressive’ – Iga Swiatek on How She Is Perfecting an All-Round Game With Her New Coach
According to a report from Ubitennis, he allegedly told her that shouldn’t be upset if some players support the Russian invasion of her country. Taking note of Tsurenko’s withdrawal, Swiatek came forward to support her by saying that she honestly respects all the Ukrainian stars given the adverse phase in their country.
The current world No.1 further believes that the Ukrainian players should be given more attention and support amidst the debates surrounding the ban on Belarusian and Russian players. However, there are some in the tennis community who haven’t been impressed with Swiatek’s latest remarks on the matter.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The WTA Council member, Victoria Azarenka recently came forward to open up about the same. Azarenka, who was also affected by the All England Clubs’ ban in the previous season, had a blunt response to fire back at Swiatek. The Belarusian tennis player said that it is obvious that players have their own opinion and attitude toward a particular matter.
The former Australian Open champion made it clear that she doesn’t necessarily share the same viewpoint as her WTA rival does. She added, “I would encourage her to look at the things that have been done before she makes comments”.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
WATCH THIS STORY: Serena Williams pays tribute to Roger Federer.
What do you think of Azarenka’s blunt response to Swiatek’s remarks? Let us know in the comments section.