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World No.1 Female Tennis Star Turns Activist in an Honest Attempt to Unify Players Against the Ongoing Ukraine-Russia Conflict

Published 04/10/2023, 5:35 AM EDT

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The tennis world has seen several players stand up for social and political causes. The latest addition to this list is none other than the current WTA world number one, Iga Swiatek. The Polish tennis star has been making waves both on and off the court, with her recent efforts to unify the tennis community against the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict. In a recent statement, Swiatek expressed her disappointment over the silence of many Russian tennis players on the issue.

Swiatek has raised the fact that many notable countries have produced several tennis stars who could use their influence to speak out. She also acknowledged the complexity of the situation and the reasons why some players may choose to remain silent.

Iga Swiatek urges players to speak out about the ongoing conflict

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Swiatek emphasized the need for more players to speak out against the war to have a greater impact. Her efforts have garnered praise and support from fans and fellow players alike. The war between Ukraine and Russia has been a point of contention since last year. The conflict has resulted in numerous casualties, displacement of civilians, and strained relations between the two countries.

In the exclusive interview with WProst, she said, “Why are many Russian tennis players silent about Ukraine? After all, this country has made stars that could speak today.” She named some exceptions, like the Russian tennis star Wiera Zwonariowa, who appeared with the inscription, “No war” on her cap. She also named Daria Kasatkina, who shared that her dream is for the war to end. (Google Translate)

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She explained, “There are some Russian tennis players who have spoken out against the war. In addition to those mentioned, a clear position was taken, for example, by Andrei Rublev. There are also people who have not spoken out and received a lot of hate for it, but I realize that their situation can be very complicated, because, for example, they have families in Russia.

via Imago

She also added, “But I feel like the more people who speak out against the war, the louder we can be.” Amid this crisis, Iga Swiatek has taken it upon herself to urge fellow tennis players to use their platform and speak out against the war. Swiatek’s efforts have included sharing her thoughts on social media and discussing the issue in interviews.

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Swiatek’s activism is not just limited to the Ukraine-Russia conflict. She has also been vocal about other social and political issues, including climate change, women’s rights, and mental health. Her willingness to speak out on these topics is a refreshing change from the typical athlete persona of remaining apolitical and solely focused on their sport.

She once spoke out on the issue, giving her strong opinions

As a Polish athlete, Swiatek expressed her sympathy for Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. In 2022, she stated that she wants to use her voice to promote unity and spread joy through sports. Swiatek expressed pride in her country’s support for Ukrainian refugees and urged for solidarity in her Twitter post. While acknowledging that she was not an expert in war, Swiatek emphasized the importance of athletes using their platforms to promote positive change. She also expressed gratitude for her ability to make a difference.

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Swiatek’s statement to connect people with sports is also noteworthy. Her message serves as a reminder of the positive impact that athletes can have on the world of sports. The Polish star’s words demonstrate her maturity and thoughtfulness beyond her years. Her actions show that she is more than just a talented tennis player – she is also a compassionate and concerned citizen of the world.

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Written by:

Dr Aditya Raveendran Menon

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Aditya Menon is a Tennis Writer at EssentiallySports, covering several high-profile tournaments and events. With a passion for writing that matches his love for the sport, he has a special interest in covering the activities of tennis legends like Serena Williams and the ‘Big Three’ of men’s tennis. Aditya’s interest in tennis started at a young age when his father introduced him to the sport.
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Edited by:

Tony Thomas