WTA reacts after Czech organisers ban Russian Belarus players

The WTA has lashed out after organisers of next week’s 250 event in Prague announced a ban on entries from Russian and Belarus competitors.

The women’s sanctioning body which is headed back to China this autumn in policy after pulling it’s tournaments several seasons ago due to the disappearance of player Peng Shuai, appears to be bending in the wind with regards to the Russian invasion of neighboring Ukraine.

Trying to cover all bases.the body slammed the Czech tournament for its unilateral action.    

But they will say they were merely following government directives: players form the two countries have been banned from entering the Czech Republic since the invasion began in February, 2022.

“Individual WTA players whose nationality is Russian/Belarusian continue to compete on the Tour on a neutral basis” the statement read.

“Despite their neutrality, some WTA players are being denied by Czech government authorities the ability to compete at the WTA 250 event scheduled to be held in Prague next week.

“WTA rules state that all players must be allowed to compete on the WTA based solely on merit, without discrimination. 

“We will continue to review the situation as we factor important considerations around these complex geopolitical issues.”

Ukraine players, led by Elina Svitolina, have refused since the start of the  invasion to shake hands with any Russian or Belarus opponent. 

Last week, Russian player Vera Zvonareva was banned from entering Poland for a WTA tournament.

The upcoming Prague ban affects Aliaksandra Sasnovich of Belarus and three Russian entered in qualifying: Diana Shnaider, Polina Kudermetova and Erika Andreeva.

Main photo:-Vera Zvonareva was banned from entering Poland for a WTA tournament – by WTATennis.com