Home

Tennis

‘Don’t Really Understand How Terrible It Is’ – Ukrainian Tennis Player Turns Emotional Over Lack of Players Support at French Open 2022

Published 05/24/2022, 6:49 AM EDT

Follow Us

The political tensions between Russia and Ukraine started earlier this year and turned into a full-fledged conflict in February. Every sector, along with the sports world, was affected. As a result, measures were taken by several countries to put a halt to Russia’s invasion. In the case of the sports world, Russian and Belarusian players were banned from most sporting events. However, many Ukrainian tennis players like Lesia Tsurenko believe that the tennis world hasn’t done enough.

Recently Tsurenko took part in the French Open. After surviving three qualifiers, she locked horns with the current World No.1 Iga Swiatek in the first round. After being outclassed by the Pole in straight sets, the 32-year-old spoke about the lack of support for her home country in the post-match conference.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Lesia Tsurenko speaks about the tennis world’s indifference

The 2018 US Open quarterfinalist vocalized her concern and said, “For me, personally, it’s tough to be here just because I don’t get much words said about the support of my country. And it’s just tough to be with people who look like they don’t understand. It’s just tough. I’m Ukrainian, and there’s a war in my country, and it’s tough. I think five players spoke to me. Maybe a few more coaches. But what can I do?”

Watch this story: Elon Musk vs Serena Williams net worth comparison

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Thereafter, she added, “I don’t know if I can ask players to care more, but I would like to see that from the players, from the WTA, from ATP, And I would like top players just to support more and to show more understanding of what is really going on. I want people to understand that war is terrible and there is nothing worse in this world than a war. I think when it’s not in your country, you don’t really understand how terrible it is.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

‘I Want to Do Everything to Help Ukrainians’ – Iga Swiatek Makes a Bold Statement at Roland Garros 2022

Wimbledon Championship bans Russian and Belarusian players

Last month, the organizers of the Wimbledon championships banned players from Russia and Belarus such as Daniil Medvedev and Victoria Azarenka. Thereafter, a good deal of tennis players and fans have denounced the decision with only a handful in support of the ban.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Despite the upsurge in criticism, Wimbledon has decided to stand firm on its decision. Recently, the director of the event addressed the media and clarified the same. As of now, the tournament will not act host to the Russian and Belarusian players in this year’s tournament.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Mahima Verma

1,034Articles

One take at a time

Mahima Verma is a Tennis writer for EssentiallySports. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Hotel Management from IHM Mumbai. A sports enthusiast, particularly Tennis since her childhood, Mahima believes that she is fortunate enough to witness the legends like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Serena Williams play.
Show More>

Edited by:

Tony Thomas