Russian player Vitalia Diatchenko claims discrimination because of nationality at airport, forced to miss ITF event in France

Diatchenko's unfortunate encounter highlights the struggles faced by athletes from certain countries

Russian player Vitalia Diatchenko claims discrimination because of nationality at airport, forced to miss ITF event in France

Vitalia Diatchenko (Credits: Twitter)

Russian tennis player Vitalia Diatchenko has claimed that she is being treated unfairly and has been forced to miss this week’s International Tennis Federation (ITF) event in Calvi, France. Diatchenko, who is 32 years old and signed up to compete in the tournament, says she is stuck at the airport and unable to participate because of issues related to her passport.

In a statement posted on her Instagram account, Vitalia Diatchenko expressed her frustration at the situation, stating that she feels she is being discriminated against simply because she is Russian. The tennis player has previously spoken out about her difficulties in obtaining visas and traveling to tournaments, and it seems that these problems have once again prevented her from competing.

YouTube video

Diatchenko had been due to play against Jessika Ponchet in the first round of the Calvi tournament, but now her place will be taken by a lucky loser. The Russian player’s absence will be a disappointment to her fans, who have been eagerly anticipating her return to the court after a period of injury.

FS Video

The ITF has not yet commented on Diatchenko’s claims of discrimination, but it is hoped that the organization will take steps to ensure that all athletes are treated fairly and have equal opportunities to participate in their chosen sport.

Also Read: WATCH: Andrey Rublev breaks down in tears on bench following Srpska Open final defeat

A look at Vitalia Diatchenko’s tennis career

Vitalia Diatchenko
Vitalia Diatchenko (Credits: Tass)

Vitalia Anatolyevna Diatchenko is a professional tennis player from Russia, known for her powerful serve and aggressive playing style. Born on August 2, 1990, in Sochi, Russia, Diatchenko started playing tennis at the age of 5 and turned pro in 2005 at the age of 15.

Throughout her career, Diatchenko has won four singles titles and seven doubles titles on the International Tennis Federation (ITF) circuit. She has also competed in several Grand Slam tournaments, including Wimbledon and the US Open.

One of the highlights of Diatchenko’s career came at the 2008 French Open, where she defeated former world number one Maria Sharapova in the opening round. Diatchenko, who was ranked outside the top 100 at the time, played some outstanding tennis to upset the more experienced and higher-ranked Sharapova in straight sets. The victory was considered one of the biggest upsets in the history of the French Open and helped to establish Diatchenko as a rising star in the tennis world.

In case you missed it: