Karen KHACANOV on the war in Ukraine: “I don’t understand politics well”

Russian tennis player Karen Khachanov (ATP 11) held a press conference after defeating Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis (6:4, 6:1, 3:6, 7:6 (7:5)) in the third round of the French Open 2023.

A Ukrainian journalist asked Karen a question about the war in Ukraine:

– I want to ask you about the Russian sponsors. You said you refused Russian sponsors for Wimbledon. But you were a guest on the VTB media podcast in September. Was this your last collaboration with this sponsor or did you leave it specifically for Wimbledon?

– Yes, regarding VTB, it was before the end of last year. It was one of the last events we held. The year is 2023, so we have not officially resumed our cooperation and I have nothing to hide.

– Last year in Serbia you had a very harsh conversation with Andrei Rublev about the war in Ukraine. So tell me, who do you think is responsible for the inability of many Ukrainian tennis players to play tennis because so many sports facilities have been destroyed in the country?

What did I argue with him about?

– You gave a speech, just a private speech, but people saw that you had a very difficult private speech about this war.

– One question, how did you know what we were talking about?

– I’m asking you, what did you talk about?

But this is our private conversation. I don’t want to share what we said.

And the second part of the question. Who do you think is responsible for the inability of many Ukrainian tennis players to play tennis because so many sports facilities were destroyed?

My answer will be very short. I am an athlete, not a politician. I don’t want to talk about politics here because first of all I don’t understand politics well. Second, it’s not my job. I play tennis, I am an athlete. I don’t even want to deal with it.

– I am also from Donbass, who is not a politician, but lost his house twice. I would like to know your opinion.

– I’m so angry. It’s too bad to be in your place. I am honest with you. I don’t want to talk about it.

– Ok thanks.

I hope you understand my position.

Previously, Arina Sobolenko completely refused to answer questions about the war in Ukraine, released by Russia.