"Situation around Russian players is getting more chaotic" says Iga Swiatek

Thursday, 28 April 2022 at 02:30

Updated at Friday, 08 November 2024 at 21:06

byErik Virostko

Iga Swiatek called on the tennis governing bodies to unify in their decisions on the participation of Russian and Belarusian players in events.

The world number one on the WTA Tour, Iga Swiatek, has been outspoken about her support for Ukraine, wearing a ribbon with the country's colors during her matches. Wimbledon declared last week that owing to the invasion of Ukraine, Russian and Belarusian players will be barred from competing this year.

Ahead of the 2022 Madrid Open, where the Polish player was supposed to play, she spoke about the situation and called for a stance from the Tours, as she feels it's getting "more and more chaotic."

"The situation is getting like more and more chaotic, I would say. But I feel like it would be nice to have all these bodies making the proper decision so that we're not going to have that kind of chaos."

"I feel like people are expecting us players to make the decision, but it's pretty hard for us to make one because we know these people. We know each other. We are spending so much time on tour that it feels like we're family."

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While understanding that the situation is difficult for everyone involved, Swiatek would like to see one decision, which is going to last, and not every tournament, organization, and association come up with their own set of rules.

"For sure it's a tough situation and that's why I think the actual people who are responsible for making this decision, they should make one decision that is going to last. I don't know what decision is right, because honestly, I'm 20 and it's not like I'm saying that because I want to stay in a safe bubble. But honestly, I've never been involved in politics and it's not like I know everything."

"It's more like I still need to educate myself and I feel like I should educate myself a little bit more in that. So I can't tell what's the best decision that's for sure. Making some moves that are going to help stop the war a little bit would be better."