March 24, (THEWILL) – Tensions have continued to simmer in the women’s tennis locker room between Ukrainian players and those from Russia and Belarus.
Ukrainian, Marta Kostyuk, revealed that the players had requested a meeting with the WTA board, but had been ignored. The WTA confirmed that a request had been received and a meeting would be held when a suitable date has been found.
However, Kostyuk declined to disclose the issues that the players wished to discuss. The recent incident of Russian Anastasia Potapova wearing a Spartak Moscow shirt before a match in Indian Wells, for which she received a formal warning, has further fueled the tensions between the players. Kostyuk and Potapova did not shake hands after their game in Miami.
Earlier this week, Belarusian world number two Aryna Sabalenka spoke about the “hate” she has faced in the locker room and referred to a row with a Ukrainian coach. World number one, Iga Swiatek of Poland, has also called on the WTA to do more to help players from Ukraine.
The WTA’s meeting with the Ukrainian players to discuss their concerns is eagerly awaited. With tensions continuing to simmer between the players, it remains to be seen if a resolution can be found. The incident involving Potapova has only added to the tension, and players from Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus will need to find a way to resolve their differences.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
