Prikhodko told why he refused to play for the Ukrainian national team

Ukraine’s second racquet in doubles Oleg Prikhodko He explained why he refused to play for the national team in the Davis Cup, as well as his attitude towards the possible exclusion of athletes from Russia and Belarus from participation in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

“FTU invited me to the Davis Cup match against Hungary last year and even offered money. I didn’t want to play because their statements about me were unacceptable to me. It was definitely not about money.

To this day I have had no connection with FTU and never have been, however paradoxical it may seem. Actually, I don’t think Vlad Manafov and I have the strongest couple in Ukraine. We have strong men, for example Denis Molchanov. In my opinion, he is the most experienced and should play, maybe with Vlad, maybe with someone else. Vlad and Ilya Beloborodko have a good couple. Maybe they will pair well with Vitalik Sachko or Lyosha Krutykh, they just did not try and play. So there is no plan to play for the national team – there is a formed squad.

As for the removal of athletes from Belarus and Russia from the Olympics, as an athlete I do not understand this. I understand that for all men this is a dream they go through their whole life. I believe that sports should bring people together. In the old days, when the Olympics were held, all wars were stopped, but now it has become a part of the war.

I think that athletes should be given a chance to be successful. For many, this is the only Olympics in their life. I put myself in their shoes and do not want to be distracted from the most important event of my life, where I went, ”Prikhodko said.