Anastasia Potapova and Elina Svitolina are supposed to play against each other in the first round of the WTA250 in Monterrey. However, Svitolina (Ukraine) release a statement that she is refuses to play against the Russian or Belarusian tennis player until the WTA takes action following the current invasion of Ukraine.
Svitolina wrote:
“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 Belarussian nationals only as neutral athletes, without displaying any national symbols, colours, flags or anthems.
Accordingly, I want to announce that I will not play tomorrow in Monterrey, nor any other match against Russian or Belarussian tennis players until our organizations take this necessary decision.
I do not blame any of the Russian athletes. They are not responsible for the invasion of our motherland. Moreover, 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.”
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Ana Potapova released the following statement:
“As a rule, even in childhood we choose our own path of development. Even when I was a kid, I dreamed of playing tennis without choosing a match, a country or a partner in the game. It is difficult to explain to people from politics that for me there is no opponent from any country, I am fighting for victory, my best game, for my result.
Unfortunately, now we, professional athletes, are essentially becoming hostages of the current situation. Playing tennis is our choice and our dream, to which we go daily, practicing, and constantly trying to be better in our results. I’m sorry, but even though I am a stranger to politics, I am against grief, tears and war.
The peace unites the world, and everyone should remain human in it. And children should continue to dream.”
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Anastasia Potapova in 2022
Currently the world no.115, the Russian played her last match on the 23rd of February when she capitulated to world no.88 Karolina Anna Schmiedlova 6-3 7-6(5) in the 2nd round in Guadalajara (draw).
Currently, during this year Anastasia has a compiled 5-5 win-loss record.
Elina Svitolina in 2022
LLWLWLLWLW Now the world no.15, Elina played her last match on the 21st of February when she was defeated by world no.41 Tereza Martincova 6-7(2) 7-5 7-6(5) in the 1st round in Doha (draw).
At present, during this year the Ukrainian has achieved a composed 3-5 match record.
Anastasia Potapova and Elina Svitolina have never fought against each other.
