“I send all of my thoughts and best wishes,” Ash Barty shares an emotional message amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war


“I send all of my thoughts and best wishes,” Ash Barty shares an emotional message amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war

The world’s attention is currently focused on Ukraine as a result of Russia’s inhumane invasion. Hundreds of people have died, and hundreds have been forced to relocate. Russian President Vladimir Putin‘s troops took control of Ukraine’s first major city, the port city of Kherson, on Thursday. Since Moscow expanded its offensive against Kyiv by causing significant destruction throughout important cities, several Russian athletes have been compelled to speak out against their country’s goals.

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Russians will be able to compete, but not under the name or flag of Russia, according to the ATP, WTA, and ITF in a joint statement. The tennis community, like others, has spoken out in solidarity for Ukraine and opposed Russia’s actions.

There’s also another heartbreaking news that’s making headlines. More than a week of relentless rain has pounded Australia’s east coast, as people began to assess the damage caused by devastating flash floods that have left townships appearing like war zones. At least 17 people have died as a result of “once in a thousand-year” catastrophic weather conditions. Residents in Lismore, in north-eastern NSW, are still reeling from the greatest floods in the city’s history, which submerged vast swaths of the city and will take months, if not years, to tidy up.

The world’s number one tennis player, Ashleigh Barty, has expressed her solidarity for the victims of the disasters in her homeland of Australia, as well as the victims of the war in Ukraine.

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She wrote, “On a more important note, it has been a tough few weeks at home in Australia and around the world. I send all of my thoughts and best wishes to everyone in Queensland and New South Wales who have been affected by the devastating floods. To the people of Ukraine, especially my peers in the tennis family, we are all thinking of you and hope for peace.”

Barty pulls out from Indian Wells and Miami

Ashleigh Barty
Ashleigh Barty

The Australian tennis player also provided an update on her upcoming itinerary. She has decided to skip the events in Indian Wells and Miami, where all of the top players are expected to compete because she didn’t have enough time to prepare following the Australian Open, where she was the champion. She is dedicating more time to her health and recovery.

She intends to compete in the Billie Jean King Cup, which will be held in April. She stated she “can’t wait to wear the green and gold again” after missing the BJK Cup last year.

Also read: ‘What we are going through right now in Ukraine, it’s terrifying,’ Elina Svitolina sets on a mission to unite the tennis community to stand with Ukraine

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