“People are expecting us players to make the decision” Iga Swiatek calls for a united stand by tennis bodies on the ‘chaotic’ Wimbledon ban
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Iga Swiatek and Belarusian player Aryna Sabalenka
World No. 1 Iga Swiatek is one of the many players to sport an accessory on her outfit showing solidarity and support to Ukraine as the nation continues to protect its borders from the Russian invasion attempt that began on 24th February and has torn the nation apart forcing civilians to flee with many staying back and joining the military.
Swiatek first voiced her opinions during her winner’s speech at the 2022 Qatar Open in Doha with the finals played on the 27th of February. She dedicated her award to the Ukrainians and wished the war would end soon having seen the plight of her Ukrainian colleagues and not being able to think of the real situation in the country.
Iga announced yesterday that she won’t be playing in the 2022 Madrid Open due to a shoulder injury in her right hand which she had picked up in Miami but was not able to give enough time for it to heal. With the 2022 French Open set to begin in a month’s time, Iga decided to treat it and be ready for the major soon. Nevertheless, she appeared for the media day at the tournament in Madrid and spoke about the recent decision by Wimbledon to ban the Russian and Belarusian players due to the war.
“The situation is getting more and more chaotic, I would say. But I feel like it would be nice to have all these bodies making the proper decision so that we’re not going to have that kind of chaos. I feel like people are expecting us players to make the decision, but it’s pretty hard for us to make one because we know these people. We know each other.
“We are spending so much time on tour that it feels like we’re family. I would say I’m seeing more of the other players than my sister when I’m back home. So for sure, it’s a tough situation. And that’s why I think the actual people who are kind of responsible for making this decision, they should make one decision that is going to last,” said Iga during the Media Day.
“I can’t tell what’s the best decision”: Iga Swiatek
With the ban by Wimbledon believed not to be only political but also influenced by the Royal Family of the UK, the Grand Slam and the LTA have remained adamant about not allowing the players from Belarus and Russia to play in Grasscourt events in the UK in June and July when the focus shifts to the green lawn.
“I don’t know what decision is right, because honestly, I’m 20 and it’s not like I’m saying that because I want to stay in a safe bubble. But honestly, I’ve never been involved in politics and it’s not like I know everything. It’s more like I still need to educate myself and I feel like I should educate myself a little bit more in that. So I can’t tell what’s the best decision, that’s for sure. But making some moves that are going to help stop the war a little bit would be better,” added Iga further.
Iga is likely to return for the 2022 Italian Open in Rome next month which begins on 9th May where she will be the defending champion having defeated former World No. 1 Karolina Pliskova in the finals last year in just 46-minutes serving a double bagel to the former champion in Rome.
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