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Former Russian tennis star Svetlana Kuznetsova wasn't a fan of Petra Kvitova's recent comments, calling them "Russophobia." When asked about Wimbledon's decision to end their ban on Russian and Belarusian players, Kvitova said that should not have happened.
Also, Kvitova added that Russian and Belarusian athletes should be banned from competing at the 2024 Paris Olympics. "It is clear that the Czechs are very opposed to the Russian people. There is now propaganda and Russophobia all over the world.
However, I believe that athletes should not get involved in this. They just have to play tennis," Kuznetsova said.
Kuznetsova rips Kvitova: Keep politics out of tennis
"I understand if politicians play tennis, but ATP and WTA try to keep this sport away from politics.
And if we start this topic, let's talk about all the wars that have taken place for almost the whole modern period in various countries and their consequences for sport," Kuznetsova added. On March 31st, Wimbledon announced that Russian and Belarusian players will be allowed to return to The Championships in 2023.
Since then, there have been several players outside of Russia of Belarus who have welcomed the Wimbledon decision. One of those players if Norwegian tennis star Casper Ruud, who made two Grand Slam finals last year. Reflecting on the Wimbledon decision, Ruud said it was "the right thing to do." "It's not their fault where they were born.
As a colleague and opponent, you regretted that they couldn't play last year. It's one of the biggest and most historic tournaments we have, so it's kind of fair and nice that they can play again. I mean, you can't ask much more from these guys," Ruud said on Eurosport's Ruud Talk.
Top-ranked Russian male tennis players - Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev - also welcomed the Wimbledon decision. Russian and Belarusian players may be allowed to return to Wimbledon but the AELTC has made it clear that showing any support to Russia and Vladimir Putin will be strongly prohibited.