Russia and Ukraine war move from battlefield to tennis courts

Jul 29, 2023 - 14:29

A 'cold war' between Russian and Ukrainian is changing athletes' relationships.

Dayana Yastremska severely attacked her young colleague Mirra Andreeva.

On the women's circuit, it very often happens that Ukrainian and Russian tennis players face off: from minor tournaments to Grand Slams.

No final handshake, this is the decision of the tennis players of Ukrainian nationality.

However, in the Swiss city, this border has been crossed. In Lausanne, the Ukrainian Yastremaska accused the young Russian Andreeva.

She did it by posting a story on Instagram where she explained what she accused her of, and, above all, of the request made to the WTA in this regard.

She wrote: "I want to post something about the recent situation in Switzerland which I found unacceptable.

The tennis instances remain indifferent to the atrocities committed in Ukraine. Recently, I called for sanctions to be taken against Mira Andreeva, who liked social media posts showing atrocities in Ukraine, and the WTA simply replied that it would not intervene.

I am sad, but I remain focused on my fight for my country, and for my family and friends in Ukraine. I want to give special thanks to Switzerland and the tournament organizers for the warm thanks."

This is the new phase of a cold war between some exponents of Ukrainian tennis and Russian tennis.

The war was being reflected on the court, bringing hardships and personal battles, changing the relationships between the athletes. This is just one last example.

Elina Svitolina also and above all told it in an interview with Harper's Bazaar: "It's very difficult not to think about it constantly. Whenever I'm online I often see messages from friends and the truth is that I have to try to isolate myself as much as possible.

But at the same time, it gives you perspective on what's really important. It's very sad and frustrating to me that people understand the no