Lesya TSURENKO: “No one thought and does not think about the Ukrainian players”

Last week, a meeting was held between Ukrainian tennis players and the leadership of the WTA.

The online conference was attended by Marta Kostyuk, Lesya Tsurenko and Elina Svitolina, and WTA’s Steve Simon, Vanessa Webb, Anya Wreg, Christy Ahn, Brandon Burke and Sloane Stephens.

The main topic of the meeting is the violation of the rights of Ukrainians and the inaction of the WTA in the propaganda and support of the military aggression against Ukraine in Tours.

Lesya Tsurenko commented on the outcome of this meeting:

“I don’t want to talk too much about everything that happened at that meeting because too many topics were brought up and too many questions asked. After this meeting, we created a letter to WTA and we are waiting for a quick response from Tur as we will rectify the situation.

Personally, I can say that what impressed me, yes, I think all the girls were the answers of the WTA representatives.

I have been and continue to be very interested in the issue of discrimination against Ukrainian players. Throughout the war in Ukraine, we constantly hear about the policy of WTA not to discriminate against Russian and Belarusian players, to protect their rights and freedoms, to support and comprehensive protection from Tours. What about the Ukrainians? I asked everyone there – what have you done, are you doing and are planning to do to prevent discrimination against Ukrainians? To protect the human rights of Ukrainian players? To protect our fundamental right to do our job in peace? What has WTA done to maintain a peaceful atmosphere within the Tour during these extremely challenging times? There was no answer to my questions.

At first I even thought that the Internet connection might be bad and not everyone heard or heard me properly, so I repeated my questions. But nothing changed… There was no answer. None of those present said a word. It was a shock.

Once again, we are convinced that no one is thinking, thinking or planning to think about Ukrainian players.”