The newest indication of the conflict-related tensions in women’s tennis, according to Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine, is the WTA Tour’s refusal to meet with players from the country that is ripped apart by war.
In the Miami Open on Thursday, Kostyuk was defeated by Russian Anastasia Potapova while being supported by Ukrainian supporters sitting behind national flags. Kostyuk departed the court without shaking Potapova’s hand.
Kostyuk talked out to media about how frustrated she and the other Ukrainian players are following the defeat.
Lesia Tsurenko, a fellow countrywoman, said earlier this month that the players had requested a meeting after she withdrew from Indian Wells before of a match with Belarus’ Aryna Sabelenka.
According to Kostyuk, the plea has so far gone unanswered.
“Yes, we requested a meeting with the board, but we were not granted one. Nothing spoken, only quiet; “She informed the press.
An AFP inquiry for comment received no immediate response from the WTA.
The player-requested topics were not to be discussed in length, according to Kostyuk.
“I mean, we can discuss it once we’re in the meeting. I don’t believe it’s a good idea to discuss the topics we want to cover at the meeting before it begins “She said.
Kostyuk did not seem thrilled by Potapova’s answer to the WTA issuing a formal warning for donning a Spartak Moscow football jersey before to a match in Indian Wells.
“There are many things WTA is doing that I disagree with. Nothing will change as a result of this “She said.
“I’ll merely draw more internet vitriol. No matter what I say, I’ll receive a lot of backlash. I’m not sure. Any warning, however. You issue a warning to her. I’m unsure whether you can suspend someone. As it’s amusing, I really can’t remark “She said.
The WTA has received harsh criticism from Tsurenko’s coach, Nikita Vlasov, in remarks that were relayed by Ukrainian media, while world number one Iga Swiatek of Poland has urged for more to be done.
“All we talk about in tennis is about Belarusian and Russian players, therefore I think more should be done to support Ukrainian players, “She stated.
TENSION IS PRESENT.
Tuesday, Sabalenka said she had experienced “hatred.” “in the locker room and made the implication that she and Vlasov had a disagreement.
When asked about tensions, the 20-year-old Kostyuk said she was not a part of any confrontations but acknowledged that reality was evident.
“I may not have said hello to certain guys, but I never went up to or spoke to anybody. I could be the one who incites hatred simply by being there “She said.
“I have no idea what others think about. Because we are now at war and are not friends, there is undoubtedly friction.”
Kostyuk, who is ranked 38th in the world, defeated Russian Varvara Gracheva at the ATX Open in Austin earlier this month to win her maiden WTA championship.
When questioned about her ability to suppress memories of war while playing tennis, Kostyuk responded:
According to the day. I’m never sure. When I get onto the court, I may think anything I want and act whichever I want, but I have no idea what will come out of me “In the days leading up to games, she added, she did attempt to avoid news.
“I believe it is just beneficial to stay away from any news since, over the last year, the majority of the news I have received has been terrible and negative.
“I believe that reading the news in its entirety, regardless of what it is about, is exhausting.”