‘If They Support Their Government, They Shouldn’t Be Playing’- Elina Svitolina Makes a Bold Statement Amidst the Wimbledon Ban Mayhem

Wimbledon’s decision to ban the Russian and Belarusian players has drawn mixed reactions from the tennis world. While there are tennis personalities like Novak Djokovic and Billie Jean King condemning the decision, Ukrainian players such as Elina Svitolina believe that the actions are well reasoned.

The ban will force some of the top players like Daniil Medvedev, Andrey Rublev, and Aryna Sabalenka to miss this year’s Wimbledon. However, Elina thinks it is what they deserve after choosing to remain silent about this situation. Svitolina expressed her views while speaking to CNN.

Elina Svitolina Speaks in Favour

Being a Ukrainian, Elina has been vocal about the conditions since February, when the tensions upsurged. Therefore, her weighing in on the matter becomes quite obvious. She spoke to CNN and made her stand on the ban clear.

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She said, “Yes, I understand this is dangerous, but it is dangerous for us as well. My family is in Ukraine. I have friends there; My country, my homeland, is getting destroyed. All the Ukranian we are in danger every single day.” When the reporter pointed out, the Russian and Belarussian players might be opting to stay quiet because of the potential threat it could impose on their families.

Further, she addressed that she wouldn’t mind players’ participation if they openly denounce their government’s actions. She said, “I have nothing about Daniil Medvedev as a tennis player. But there is more than sports. Now we are talking about humans. People are gonna lose their lives. That’s why I want Russian, Belarussian players to speak publicly about the situation.”

 “I think this is the way forward. Tennis players they make their move, they make their choice. If they support their government, they shouldn’t be playing.” Svitolina added.

Tennis – Australian Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia – January 21, 2022 Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina reacts during her third round match against Belarus’ Victoria Azarenka REUTERS/Morgan Sette

The Mixed Reactions From the Entities

Ukrainian players such as Svitolina, Marta Kostyuk, and Sergiy Stakhovsky have been praising the ban as they feel players have a tremendous influence on people and are often used as political pawns. Therefore, their silence is in a way fueling the war and the hostility.

Whereas players such as John Millman, and Novak Djokovic think of this as an unfair move. Millman took a dig at Wimbledon on Twitter for their decision while the 20-time Grand Slam champion believes players are not at fault. The Serb believes that politics should not interfere with sport.

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What are your thoughts on Wimbledon imposing a ban on Russian players?

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