‘I Will Not Compete’ – Elina Svitolina’s Bold Move as She Awaits WTA’s Stand on the Future of Russian Athletes

Former world no.3 Elina Svitolina, who has been quite active on social media regarding the on-going conflict between Russia and Ukraine, announced moments ago that she won’t be participating in the WTA Monterrey Open. The International Olympic Committee recently called on sports organizations across the world to ban Russian and Belarusian athletes from International events.

Elina Svitolina pauses her WTA tour until a confirmation has been made on Russian athletes

Asking for clarity over the same, Svitolina decided to skip the Monterrey tournament and decides to come back only when there is clarity from the ATP and WTA tours over their stand on Russian athletes. The Ukrainian informed that she won’t be competing against Russian athletes till a decision has been made.

“I believe the current situation requires a clear position from our organizations; ATP, WTA, and ITF. As such, we – Ukrainian players – requested to ATP, WTA and ITF to follow the recommendations of the IOC to accept Russian or Belarusian nationals only as neutral athletes, without displaying any national symbols, colours, flags or anthems.”

In a long message, Svitolina didn’t try to put the blame on Russian athletes and instead made it clear that they are not at all related to this whole conflict. It’s just that the Ukrainian athletes want the tennis federations to follow the IOC recommendations.

However, Elina didn’t completely confirm her withdrawal from Monterrey or any other tournaments. In a response to journalist Jose Morgado, she cleared her stance further by stating that she won’t compete if there is no action from the WTA.

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The Ukrainian tennis star also thanked Russian and Belarusian athletes for expressing their opinions.

“I wish to pay tribute to all the players, especially Russians and Belarussians, who bravely stated their position against the war. Their support is essential.”

FIFA and UEFA suspended Russia from participation

In a latest update unrelated to tennis, FIFA and UEFA banned Russia from participating in football events.

Alongside Svitolina, players like Marta Kostyuk and Lesia Tsurenko also took a firm stance over the Russia-Ukraine conflict and hoped that other WTA and ATP stars will also respond.

The response from both the women’s and the men’s tour is yet to be revealed as it will have an impact on players from Russia. The on-going war has a clear impact on the tennis world with multiple athletes expressing their sympathy and pronounced their stances openly to the public.

Also read: ‘Kind People Helped My Father’ – Belinda Bencic Pleads for Support to Help the Ukrainians