The war in Ukraine directly: Turkey announces the extension of the Ukrainian grain deal

More than a year after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, with the support of Belarus, tennis is still struggling to manage the situation in its tournaments. The players of these two countries compete under a neutral flag, but the chance of the tables can well oppose them to the Ukrainians or the Ukrainians. And the tension rose a bit this week, when he lost to Ukrainian player Lesya Tsurenko before meeting Aryna Sabalenka on the 3rd.^H circular.

Of course there is a lot of tension between us.admitted the Belarusian N^Oh 2 World, Fri. “But I am still convinced that I have done nothing wrong to the Ukrainians – neither I nor the Russians”She defended the winner at the recent Australian Open, after defeating Greece’s Maria Sakkari, to rally the WTA 1000 final in Indian Wells, California.

“None of us have control over this situation. We are all trying to stay calm in the locker room… We all understand Ukrainians and feel really bad for them.”she added.

Ukrainian player Lesya Tsurenko explained to the Ukrainian site Big tennis was a victim of “panic attack” After a conversation with the WTA President about the consequences of the war in his country. Polish n^Oh 1 scientist, Iga Swiatek, reacted, saying he understood Tsurenko. “Honestly, I respect Ukrainian women very much, because if a bomb falls in my country or my house is destroyed, I don’t know if I can bear it.”

“Nobody can control other people’s feelings. And I think the WTA is doing its best on that front to support both sides.”For his part, Sabalenka estimated before he came forward: Tsurenko’s withdrawal was not caused by a panic attack or by the political situation. (…) I think there is something more. I found myself in a very difficult situation last year with his coach, because of the way he behaved with me. I think this guy put a lot of pressure on him, which is why it happened.”She continued without giving further details about this alleged incident.

“I went through a lot of hard times, but unfortunately I can’t say that, because after all, who would believe a Belarusian girl?”Sabalenka concluded.