Elina Svitolina renounces WTA tournament in Monterrey – Ukrainian boycotts games against Russians and Belarusians

“I think the current situation requires a clear positioning of our organizations ATP, WTA and ITF,” she explained on her social media. The Ukrainian players had asked the organizers to only allow Russians to start as neutral athletes without national flags or national anthems.

“Accordingly, I would like to announce that I will not play tomorrow in Monterrey or any other match against Russian or Belarusian tennis players until our organizations make this necessary decision,” she announced.

In the first round in Mexico, the Ukrainian was drawn to the 20-year-old Russian Potapova. However, Svitolina made it clear that her boycott was not directed against the athletes personally. “I don’t blame any of the Russian athletes,” she said, praising the athletes who sent a clear signal for peace.

“Your support is vital,” said the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games bronze medalist.

Svitolina waives prize money for home

But with her boycott in Mexico, Svitolina is also forgoing the chance of prize money. The Ukrainian would have been the top seeded player in Mexico.

As recently as Tuesday, number 15 in the world rankings had Exclusive interview at Eurosport announced that they would provide financial support in their home country.

Svitolina had already called on the tennis community to act: “The tennis community can do more. We’ve seen in the past that the tennis community came together and helped the world. Now we can do a lot more. The tennis community can help to understand what is happening and thus help the fighting people in Ukraine,” said the 27-year-old.

Svitolina’s message in full

I think the current situation requires a clear positioning of our organizations: ATP, WTA, ITF. We Ukrainian players have advised the ATP, WTA and ITF to follow the IOC’s recommendations and only accept Russians and Belarusians as neutral athletes without any national symbols, colors, flags or anthems.

Accordingly, I would like to announce that I will not play tomorrow in Monterrey or any other match against Russian or Belarusian tennis players until our organizations make this necessary decision.

I do not blame any of the Russian athletes. You are not responsible for the invasion of our homeland. Rather, I want to pay tribute to all the players, especially Russians and Belarusians, who bravely made a statement against the war.

Your support is essential.