Tuesday, March 1, 2022 – 15:15 WIB
VIVA – Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina has said she will not play her last 32 match against Russia’s Anastasia Potapova at the Monterrey Open unless the tennis governing body follows recommendations made by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Tuesday.
Earlier on Friday, the IOC executive issued a decree banning the flying of the national flags of Russia and Belarus at international sporting events, in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“We Ukrainian players ask the ATP, WTA and ITF to follow the recommendations of the IOC by accepting citizens of Russia or Belarus only as neutral athletes without displaying any symbols, colours, flag or national anthem,” Svitolina said.
The IOC’s decision was later enhanced by the issuance of a recommendation from the sports federation to ban Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials from competing in various events.
Following the call, Svitolina also shared her opinion in the realm of the match she was participating in.
“Therefore, I would like to announce that I will not play tomorrow in Monterrey or any other matches against Russian or Belarusian players until our organization takes the necessary decisions,” Svitolina explained.
