Top seed Iga Swiatek on Saturday underlined her unwavering support for Ukraine as the Russian invasion continues, with the Pole convinced that opposing the war is the right thing to do.
The world No. 1 who withdrew this week before a semi-final on grass in Bad Homburg, Germany due to stomach upset, has worn a blue-and-yellow Ukrainian flag pin on her ever-present cap since Russia invaded in February, 2022.
After banning entries from Russia and Belarus players last year, Wimbledon was forced to accept them for the upcoming edition under massive financial and tournament sanction pressure from international tennis bosses.
To gain entry this year, players from the invading nations had to sign a pledge not to support the war, play under the usual neutral banner and (temporarily) drop any sponsorships or links to companies supporting Putin’s invasion.
“I think it’s good that Wimbledon is asking players to speak out and tell what they think about the war and who are they supporting,” Swiatek said.
“We should show good values. That’s what I’m focusing on.
“Everybody should be against the war. It’s logical for me. Looking at what happened last year, I think it’s pretty fair that they ask for that (anti war pledge).”
Swiatek is not so sure yet of her feelings now that tennis looks to be bowing to Saudi billions and heads towards placing events in the controversial Middle East kingdom.
“I’m still waiting for some official information that is going to come out
because it’s hard to know what is the rumor and what not,” she said.
“I’ll be ready to play wherever the WTA decides we’re going to play.”
Main photo:- Iga Swiatek plays with a Ukraine badge on her cap by Roger Parker International Sports Fotos Ltd
