WTA ignores Dayana Yastremska’s request to SANCTION Mirra Andreeva over her social media activity as she concedes a bagel to the Russian

Yastremska called out the WTA for their inaction over Andreeva's questionable social media activity.

WTA ignores Dayana Yastremska’s request to SANCTION Mirra Andreeva over her social media activity as she concedes a bagel to the Russian

Dayana Yastremska and Mirra Andreeva (Credits: WTA/Eurosport)

Ukrainian tennis player Dayana Yastremska has expressed her disappointment with the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) for not taking action against Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva. Yastremska accused Andreeva of liking social media posts related to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Despite lodging a formal request for sanction, the WTA declined to intervene.

Yastremska was defeated by Andreeva in a recent match at the Ladies Open tournament in Lausanne, Switzerland. She took to her Instagram page to voice her concerns about Andreeva’s social media activity. She wrote, “Recently, I asked that sanctions to be taken against Mirra Andreeva for having liked social media posts which clearly concerned the atrocities committed to Ukrainians and the WTA simply indicated it would not intervene.”

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She continued,“I am upset but remain committed to fight for my country, my family and my friends in Ukraine. I would like to give special thanks to Switzerland and tournament organizers for their warm reception.”

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Dayana Yastremska’s Instagram story

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Many Ukrainian players have voiced their opposition to Russian players

Elina Svitolina and Victoria Azarenka
Elina Svitolina and Victoria Azarenka during their Wimbledon match-up (Credits: Reuters)

Yastremska is not the only Ukrainian player who has been outspoken about the war in Ukraine and the participation of Russian players in tennis. Elina Svitolina, a Wimbledon 2023 semi-finalist, had refused to shake hands with Belarusian Victoria Azarenka during their Wimbledon match, citing her opposition to playing against Russians.

The WTA has faced criticism for its perceived inaction in response to Yastremska’s allegations. Criticism notwithstanding, the organization has stated that it will not intervene in this issue.

The WTA had also recently issued a formal statement that said that handshakes are a personal decision for the players. This statement was made in the wake of the controversial incident between Svitolina and Azarenka in Wimbledon. The WTA extended its support to the Ukrainian players who chose not to shake hands with opponents based on personal beliefs.

The WTA has also in the past condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and expressed disappointment with the decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players from UK grass court tournaments during the 2022 season, including Wimbledon.

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