Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina makes Putin demand to ATP as Wimbledon ban Russian players

Svitolina posted a passionate plea on Wednesday, asking the ATP, WTA and ITF to demand answers from Russian and Belarusian players regarding their stance on the war in Ukraine. It comes as reports claimed Wimbledon had confirmed a ban on all athletes from the two countries.

“Dear Tennis Community, Ginetta Sagan once said, “Silence in the face of injustice is complicity with the oppressor.” This could not be any more true right now,” the former world No 3 wrote in a lengthy social media post. “On 24th February 2022, Russia, with the support of Belarus, attacked Ukraine. Now there is a war in our country, in our home. All Ukrainians are forced to leave their homes and fight for their lives,” she continued, going on to speak about the death of civilians and millions who had been left homeless since Russia invaded her home country.

The 2018 WTA Finals champion then shared three questions she urged tennis’ governing bodies to ask of their players hailing from Russia and Belarus. “As athletes we live a life in the public eye and therefore have an enormous responsibility. Some of our posts and opinions on social media reach an audience larger than those of regional television stations. In times of crisis, silence means agreeing with what is happening,” she continued, explaining why she was demanding answers from players hailing from the two nations.

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“We noticed that some Russian and Belarusian players at some point vaguely mentioned the war, but never clearly stating that Russia and Belarus started it on the territory of Ukraine. The very silence of those who choose to remain that way right now is unbearable as it leads to the continuation of murder in our homeland,” she wrote, going on to share the questions she believed players should be answering.

“We demand that the WTA, ATP and ITF make sure that players who repre-sent Russia and Belarus answer the following questions: 1. Do you support Russia’s and Belarus invasion in Ukraine’s territory and as a result of that the war started by those countries? 2. Do you support Russia’s and Belarus military activities in Ukraine? 3. Do you support Putin’s and Lukashenko’s regime?”

And the 16-time title winner was clear on what should happen to Russian and Belarusian players who failed to answer the questions or showed support for the war, adding: “If applicable, we demand to exclude and ban Russian and Belarusian athletes from competing in any international event, as Wimbledon already done. There comes a time when silence is betrayal, and that time is now.”

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