Ukrainian Tennis Player Oleksandra Oliynykova Accuses WTA of Suppressing Her Voice
Ukraine's Oleksandra Oliynykova launches serious allegations against WTA with pro-Putin player involved
Sportskeeda
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Ukrainian tennis player Oleksandra Oliynykova has accused the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) of pressuring her to remain silent about fellow player Polina Kudermetova's support for Russian President Vladimir Putin. Oliynykova claims this pressure has caused her significant stress and has hindered her ability to speak out on important issues related to the Russia-Ukraine war.
- 01Oleksandra Oliynykova, ranked World No. 68, alleges WTA pressured her to stay silent about Polina Kudermetova's pro-Putin symbolism.
- 02Oliynykova has been vocal about the Russia-Ukraine war and has accused other players of supporting the conflict.
- 03She claims the WTA sided with Kudermetova, pressuring her not to mention her name.
- 04Oliynykova has experienced 'constant stress' due to the WTA's actions against her.
- 05Currently competing at the Italian Open, Oliynykova won her opening match against Petra Marcinko.
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Ukrainian tennis player Oleksandra Oliynykova has made serious allegations against the Women's Tennis Association (WTA), claiming that she was pressured to remain silent regarding fellow player Polina Kudermetova's use of pro-Putin symbolism, specifically the St. George Ribbon. In her Instagram stories, Oliynykova explained that the ribbon has become associated with negative connotations, akin to the Nazi swastika, and criticized the WTA for supporting Kudermetova. She expressed her frustration over being pressured to 'de-personalize' her statements, despite the visibility of Kudermetova's actions. Oliynykova has been an outspoken advocate for raising awareness about the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, previously accusing players like Aryna Sabalenka and Danill Medvedev of supporting the conflict. The pressure from the WTA has reportedly caused her significant stress, as she feels her voice is being suppressed. Currently, she is competing at the Italian Open, where she secured a straight-sets victory over Petra Marcinko in her first match.
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