Ukrainian tennis player Lesya Tsurenko disclosed that she did not attend a third round WTA match against Belarusian Arina Sobolenko because she suffered a panic attack following a meeting with a WTA executive. The incident underscored the personal strain players face amid ongoing political tensions within the sport and the broader international sports community.
In a recent conversation, Tsurenko described her interaction with Steve Simon, the executive director of the WTA. She conveyed that Simon expressed a personal stance opposing military actions, while indicating that players from Russia and Belarus who support such actions might reflect their own views. He also conveyed optimism about a future return of Russian and Belarusian athletes to the Olympic arena, suggesting a trajectory similar to developments seen on court in the sport of tennis. Tsurenko said she was stunned by these remarks and found the moment extremely challenging to prepare for, ultimately leading to a panic attack when it was time for her to compete. The Ukrainian player has been outspoken about the pressures and uncertainties players face in the current climate, labeling the exchange as distressing and disruptive to her preparation.
The International Tennis Federation has allowed Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under a neutral status in many events, a policy that has remained controversial among players and national federations. Wimbledon stood apart from this approach, choosing to restrict the participation of Russian and Belarusian players in its tournament lineup, a decision that has fueled ongoing debates about fairness, neutrality, and the role of politics in tennis.
Meanwhile, the International Olympic Committee has signaled that it is weighing the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in the Olympic Games, without publicly endorsing military actions in Ukraine. The evolving position of the IOC reflects the broader tension between international sport as a platform for competition and as a stage for geopolitical expression and consequence.
In addition to Tsurenko’s experience, former two-time Grand Slam singles champion and former world No. 1 Yevgeny Kafelnikov offered commentary related to the prospects of Russian player Daniil Medvedev at the Indian Wells Masters. His reflections illustrate the broader discussion about how players from the region navigate major tournaments amid diplomatic sensitivities and regulatory frameworks that shape their scheduling and competitive opportunities.
Tsurenko’s account highlights the personal and emotional dimensions of the intersecting worlds of sport and politics. Her decision to step back from competition after the meeting reflects the toll that these conversations can take on athletes, and it underscores the need for clear communication and support mechanisms within the sport. As administrators, players, and fans continue to grapple with how to balance competitive integrity with geopolitical realities, Tsurenko’s experience serves as a poignant reminder of the human side of professional tennis and the real-world impact of policy decisions on players at the highest levels of the game.