‘Becoming Hostages of the Current Situation’ – Anastasia Potapova Releases a Statement After Elina Svitolina Refuses to Compete

The Eastern European conflict has taken the center-stage in world politics currently. It has affected the lives of countless people, directly and indirectly. Notably, tennis stars of the regions involved have spoken out on this matter. Yesterday, Elina Svitolina announced her decision to boycott the Abierto GNP Seguros tournament in Monterrey, Mexico.

Anastasia Potapova, who happened to be Svitolina’s first-round opponent at the tournament, has opened up on the turn of events.

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Anastasia Potapova breaks her silence after Elina Svitolina boycotts the WTA tournament

The Russian tennis player took to Instagram stories to express her disappointment. She said, “As a rule, even in childhood we choose our own path of development. Even when I was a kid, I dreamed of playing tennis without choosing a match, a country or a partner in the game.”

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

Further, she added, “It is difficult to explain to people from politics that for me there is no opponent from any country, I am fighting for victory, my best game, for my result. Unfortunately, now we, professional athletes, are essentially becoming hostages of the current situation. Playing tennis is our choice and our dream, to which we go daily, practicing, and constantly trying to be better in our results.”

Moreover, she felt that these events shouldn’t stop children from dreaming. Potapova added, “I’m sorry, but even though I am a stranger to politics, I am against grief, tears and war. The peace unites the world, and everyone should remain human in it. And children should continue to dream.”

Russian world No.115 Anastasia Potapova on Instagram:

“We, professional athletes, are essentially becoming hostages of the current situation…

“Even though I am a stranger to politics, I am against grief tears and war.” pic.twitter.com/9RSUWLZRlm

— Reem Abulleil (@ReemAbulleil) February 28, 2022

Why did Svitolina boycott the tournament?

The Ukrainian was the top seed at the WTA 250 Abierto GNP Seguros in Mexico. However, a day before her first-round encounter against Anastasia Potapova, she decided to withdraw from the tournament. Svitolina wanted the tennis bodies to follow the recommendations of the IOC in accepting the Russian or Belarusian nationals only as neutral athletes, without displaying any national symbols, colors, flags, or anthems.

Tennis – Wimbledon – All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain – July 1, 2021. Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina reacts during her second round match against Poland’s Magda Linette REUTERS/Toby Melville

Other tennis stars like Andrey Rublev, Sergiy Stakhovsky, and many more have also spoken out against the Eastern European conflict. It remains to be seen how the tennis bodies react to the IOC’s recommendation, especially with a big month in the form of the ‘Sunshine Double’ coming up in tennis.

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