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U.S. Judge Dismisses Tsurenko's WTA Lawsuit Over Abuse Claims

3/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

A U.S. judge dismissed Lesia Tsurenko's lawsuit against the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) Tour and former CEO Steve Simon on October 10, 2023.
Tsurenko alleged mental abuse regarding the WTA's handling of Russian and Belarusian players after the Ukraine invasion, citing a panic attack that led to her withdrawal from a match against Aryna Sabalenka.
Judge Naomi Reice Buchwald stated that the WTA had the authority to determine detrimental conduct and focused on its duty to ensure physical safety rather than emotional wellbeing.
Tsurenko has publicly shared her challenges in competing since the invasion.

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Story summary

A U.S. judge dismissed Lesia Tsurenko's lawsuit against the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) Tour and former CEO Steve Simon on October 10, 2023.
Tsurenko alleged mental abuse regarding the WTA's handling of Russian and Belarusian players after the Ukraine invasion, citing a panic attack that led to her withdrawal from a match against Aryna Sabalenka.
Judge Naomi Reice Buchwald stated that the WTA had the authority to determine detrimental conduct and focused on its duty to ensure physical safety rather than emotional wellbeing.
Tsurenko has publicly shared her challenges in competing since the invasion.