The upcoming Warsaw Open had seen plenty of hype around it. The tournament is historically known for being held on clay courts. However, this year, the organizers have shifted them to hard courts. Keeping in mind that the tournament takes place right before the US Open series, the decision was met with plenty of praise. However, a recent controversy has overshadowed all the hard work done by the organizers.

Certain things are out of the tournament director’s control and this was one of them. Last-minute drama relating to entry in the tournament for a certain Russian player has struck the Warsaw Open like lightning.

Vera Zvonareva has been deported from Poland

The Warsaw Open’s hype has been built around the world number 1 Iga Swiatek‘s participation. Despite never winning a title there, she has been the face of the tournament. Fans come out in numbers to support their local star. However, this year, Vera Zvonareva’s deportation from the country has stolen all the limelight from the World Number 1.

Zvonareva was sent back from Poland after trying to enter the country on a French visa. The Polish ministry was not in favor of the act thereby denying Zvonareva entry into the country. She received backing from her Russian counterpart, Svetlana Kuznetsova who questioned the ministry’s move. Kuznetsova said, “Zvonareva was supposed to play in a tournament in Poland, but was refused entry by border guards when she arrived in the country. It’s strange to read that. What threat can an athlete represent for Poland?”

The tennis world hasn’t seen a deportation saga since the famous Australian Open 2022 saga where Novak Djokovic was detained by the Australian authorities.

How similar is Zvonareva’s case to that of Novak Djokovic?

For starters, both Djokovic and Zvonareva arrived in the country with hopes to compete in the tournament. They were held back by the respective authorities and eventually deported. Both players could not participate in the respective tournaments at the same time.

READ MORE: “Can’t Soften Our Stance’ – After Novak Djokovic, Russian Star Daniel Medvedev Takes the ‘Deportation’ Blow From Ex-Australian Sports Minister

However, their reasons were entirely different. Zvonareva’s attempt to enter the country while using a French visa turned out to be costly for her. On the other hand, Djokovic’s vaccination exemption criteria did not meet the one held by the Australian laws.

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