Lesya Tsurenko announced that she withdrew from Indian Wells on the eve of the match with Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenko, the Ukrainian suffered a panic attack after a conversation with the head of the WTA Steve Simon, and the Russian Anastasia Potapova in the T-shirt of Moscow “Spartak” at the same tournament. Accused of supporting the war in Ukraine, the leader of the women’s circle has now offered the first reaction.​

Steve Simon says that the WTA is doing everything possible for Ukrainian athletes

While he said he had warned Potapov and said the WTA was doing everything it could to help Ukrainian players, Simon said the forum he runs has always taken a neutral approach and cannot ban Russian athletes from competing.

“We are still doing our best. We have done a lot for our athletes. I know there are all kinds of opinions in the public space. What is happening in Ukraine deserves condemnation. It cannot be supported in any way – not what the Russian authorities are doing.

I spoke to Anastasia directly and also gave her a warning to let her know that this was inappropriate and I don’t think we will see more of this happening.

We are with everyone in Ukraine, and I think that none of us can properly understand what they are going through. We continue to communicate with (the players from Russia and Belarus) and make sure they understand the sensitivities here and compete as neutral athletes.

I think there is a strong understanding of this. Our position has always been — and it has been a fundamental position of the tournament — that every eligible player should be allowed to play. And this is regardless of the decisions that could be made by governments.

We have been consistent about this and will continue to be consistent. We believe that a neutral approach is appropriate” – Steve Simon.

Tennis players from Russia and Belarus can currently play in both men’s and women’s circuits, but only under a neutral flag. In addition, they are not eligible to participate in team competitions organized by the ATP, WTA or ITF. Banned from Wimbledon last year, it looks like they will be able to compete this season.