A Ukrainian tennis player has defeated her Russian rival sat the Monterrey Open after previously stating that she would refuse to play her. Elina Svitolina beat her Russian rival Anastasia Potapova in straight sets 6-2 6-1.
Svitolina had originally said that she would refuse to play the Russian in protest at Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
She had said:
"As such we – Ukrainian players – requested to ATP, WTA and ITF to follow the recommendations of the IOC to accept Russian or Belarusian nationals only as neutral athletes, without displaying any national symbols, colours, flags or anthems. Accordingly, I want to announce that I will not play tomorrow in Monterrey, nor any other match against Russian or Belarusian tennis players until our organisations take this necessary decision."
"I do not blame any of the Russian athletes. They are not responsible for the invasion of our motherland. Moreover, I wish to pay tribute to all the players, especially Russians and Belarusians, who bravely stated their position against the war. Their support is essential."
Potapova had previously said on an Instagram post:
"As a rule, even in childhood we choose our own path of development. Even when I was a kid, I dreamed of playing tennis without choosing a match, a country or a partner in the game. It is difficult to explain to people from politics that for me there is no opponent from any country, I am fighting for victory, my best game, for my result. Unfortunately, now we, professional athletes, are essentially becoming hostages of the current situation. Playing tennis is our choice and our dream, to which we go daily, practicing, and constantly trying to be better in our results. I'm sorry, but even though I am a stranger to politics, I am against grief, tears and war."
Other sporting bodies have now taken action against Russia following their invasion. This includes FIFA and UEFA banning the Russian national team and Russian club teams from competing in European football competitions.
[Based on reporting by: MSN]
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