Potapova Promises Not To Wear Spartak Moscow Jersey Again

Wednesday, 12 April 2023 at 00:25

Updated at Wednesday, 12 April 2023 at 00:24

bySebastian Dahlman

Anastasia Potapova spoke with the Russian media agency TASS about her controversial Spartak Moscow jersey move that gave her a warning.

The Russian was formally warned by the WTA not to wear anything Russian near a tennis court after she walked out with a Spartak Moscow jersey. For Potapova it didn't represent anything but a show of support for her favourite team, not much different from Azarenka wearing a Messi journey during her walk-outs earlier in the year.

However, the move was badly received by some including world number one Iga Swiatek who felt compelled to speak out about it which ultimately forced the hand of the WTA. The organisation remained silent initially as Potapova did a similar thing in Dubai but only after Swiatek spoke out did they warn her.

There was no fine, it was just a warning - they said not to do it again. If this happened again, then I would either not be awarded points for the tournament where I did it, or I would be fined $5,000 (£4,000). Naturally, the choice would have fallen on money, not points.

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Potapova recently made comments about Swiatek speaking out explaining that she doesn't really care what she thinks but also confirmed that the jersey move was not intentional. She was not looking to provoke anyone and she won't be repeating that in the future. She confirmed to Tass that she will respect the decision.

I don’t like to break any rules on purpose. Therefore, this will not happen the second time. I respect the place where I work.

The Russian also confirmed that she's glad about Wimbledon reversing their decision while also slipping a tidbit that raised some eyebrows. Unlike most that assumed that the ban would be lifted due to the heavy pressure, Potapova used the word unexpected which caught the attention of many.

I think this is a pleasant decision for us, of course. It was very unexpected and pleasant. Again, no one could influence this situation, we just had to wait and hope. We’re really glad that it happened.