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March 03, 2022 – 4:24 p.m Clock
The world suffers with Ukraine. The country and local people are under attack from Russia’s war of aggression. Nobody really feels like laughing – but some Russian athletes apparently see it differently. As the German tennis player Eva Lys reports, some Russian players joke about the Ukraine war.
Disrespectful behavior denounced
The German tennis champion experienced these scenes at the Challenger tournament in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan. “Many Russian players who are here behave disrespectfully towards those who are affected by the Ukraine war,” said the 20-year-old on Eurosport: “They laugh about it, make fun of it. Some demonstratively wear a tracksuit in the Russian national colors at.”
It is all the more important “that we spread what is really happening there strongly and widely. This message must reach everyone,” added Lys. The number 311 in the world rankings has Ukrainian roots, was born in Kyiv and also competed in Nur-Sultan in yellow-blue. She was eliminated in the round of 16 on Thursday.
Lys in touch with relatives in Ukraine
Relatives of her still live in the Ukrainian capital today. Lys tries to keep in touch with them as much as possible. “When we talk on the phone, the bombs can be heard through the phone. People are helpless in the face of the attacks, but they are incredibly brave,” Lys said.
The tennis world association ITF as well as ATP and WTA recently decided to exclude Russian and Belarusian teams from all competitions. However, the players may continue to participate in tournaments, but not under their flag. (msc/sid/dpa)
