“It’s a shame!” Paula Badosa VICIOUSLY bashes players for mixing ‘sport and politics’ amid persistent Russia-Ukraine tussle
Paula Badosa has voiced that tennis is not the place for political statements after the ongoing war impacted the sport negatively.
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Paula Badosa (Credits: Wikipedia)
Paula Badosa appeared on the GLAMOUR magazine which is an online women’s magazine. The Spanish player commented that how the ongoing Russian-Ukraine war has reached the tennis court as an environment of animosity has been created among the players.
Badosa discussed her career growth and the expectations she had outside the court. On the question about the ongoing war, the 25 years-old voiced that sports and politics should have a defined separation line.
“Absolutely, they shouldn’t mix. Unfortunately, they have been involved, but I will never understand it. In the end, sports and politics have nothing to do with each other and it is a shame that there is so much mixing between players”, she said during the interview.
The Kerastase ambassador also stated that no one knows what’s actually happening on the ground, and the players should focus on what they do best. ” We are not inside either. We don’t know what’s out there, there are many opinions and we don’t know 100% everything either, nor will we know. In my case, I prefer to be apart and dedicate myself to mine. Politicians play politicians and athletes play athletes”, she further added.
On the WTA circuit, the Ukranian players refused to do the after-match handshake with the Russian/Belarussian players. Their continued act of hostility has generated mixed reactions all around the world. The World No. 42 had an early exit in the Madrid Open. She was defeated in the round of 16 in straight sets by Maria Sakkari.
The Saga of ‘No-Handshake’ continues in Madrid Open
The WTA Ukranian players showed their strong affinity towards their nation and continued hostility against the Russian/Belarussian players. During the Madrid Open, players like Elina Svitolina and Lesia Tsurenko refused to practice the common etiquette of the match.
The Ukranian players have strongly voiced that they will not engage in any act of friendliness towards the Russian contenders. Their actions are the result of the ongoing war between the nations. Earlier, during the Miami Open, Marta Kostyuk denied to shake hands with Anastasia Potapova. She also voiced that there will be no future interactions until the Russian players openly criticize the war.
As a result of the on-court political stand, the internet appeared to be divided on the issue. Many have welcomed their act of support for Ukraine as the war impacted all. On the other hand, people have called to stop the ongoing ‘Russophobia’ as the players are not responsible for their country’s actions.
Starting as an act of support, the Wimbledon Championships has decided to provide financial aid to the Ukranian players. The decision was taken after the tournament allowed the Russian/Belarussian players to compete as ‘neutrals’.
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Vitasta Singh
(691 Articles Published)