Ukrainian tennis player Lesya Tsurenko admitted that she was afraid of setting an example after playing with the Russian woman in international tournaments. His words were quoted Sportowe Factory.
“I was afraid that after each such match, IOC president Thomas Bach would see me as an example that Ukrainians can compete with Russians and Belarusians in major tournaments without any problems.
This thought didn’t leave my mind throughout the season. I did not want to participate in this struggle against my own will. After all, Catherine Beindl was officially called a positive example. Bach called his name and said he didn’t care,” Tsurenko said.
Ukrainian tennis players either refuse to shake hands in head-to-head meetings with Russian representatives or do not initially appear on the court in matches against them.
Russian tennis players continue to participate in international tournaments as neutral athletes. The only tournament they missed was Wimbledon in 2022.
The Paris Olympic Games will start at the end of July 2024.
Previously Tsurenko opposed Russia’s participation in the 2024 Games.