A state Duma deputy and an Olympic champion in speed skating, Svetlana Zhurova, has commented on a panic attack reportedly suffered by Ukrainian tennis player Lesya Tsurenko. After conversations with a WTA leader about the possible acceptance of Russian players, Tsurenko did not participate in the third-round match of the Women’s Tennis Association tournament against Belarusian Arina Sabalenko, citing a panic attack.
Zhurova suggested that the distress may stem from the pressure surrounding high-stakes matches and the tension in the arena. She noted that athletes can find themselves overwhelmed by the prospect of facing opponents in a charged environment, especially when the stakes feel personal or politically charged. The implications are that a competitor could fear attending a match in such circumstances, and this is not a normal state for someone who trains year-round to compete at the highest level. The athlete’s decision to withdraw has drawn wide discussion, with Zhurova describing the situation as one where fear can influence performance and participation, as reported by Sports Express.
Currently, Russian and Ukrainian players are both taking part in the event held in Indian Wells, with two Russian competitors, Daria Kasatkina and Varvara Gracheva, advancing to the third round and scheduled to meet on March 14. All Ukrainian players have departed the event after Tsurenko’s withdrawal, creating a notable shift in the lineup and competition dynamics at the tournament. The broader context includes separate coverage in other regions, where a Russian athlete was involved in a provocation controversy in Poland, drawing attention to how political tensions intersect with sports narratives. [Citation: Sports Express; other regional coverage as reported by regional outlets]