Ukrainian Tennis Star Claims WTA Threats Over War-Era Criticism

Ukrainian player Oleksandra Oliynykova (world No. 68) says the Women’s Tennis Association threatened her with fines of tens of thousands of dollars and disqualification after she called Russian and Belarusian players—Aryna Sabalenka, Daniil Medvedev, Diana Shnaider, Polina Kudermetova and Karen Khachanov—‘dangerous’. In an Instagram post on April 28, she said the tour ‘arbitrarily interpreted its rules behind closed doors’ and pressured her to stop naming individuals.

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The Russian invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, prompting the WTA to ban Russian and Belarusian flags and permit athletes to compete as neutrals. Wimbledon excluded them in 2022, but most events have allowed neutral participation. In 2024 International Olympic Committee lifted recommendation to restrict Belarusian athletes, permitting flag use where federations approve.

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A WTA spokesperson said the organization condemns Russia’s war, supports Ukrainian players, and affirms that “All WTA athletes have the right to express themselves.” The spokesperson added that the Code of Conduct seeks a professional, respectful environment and that concerns are handled confidentially, noting no rule bans naming players.

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Aryna Sabalenka said she wants peace and would change the situation if she could. Diana Shnaider defended her participation in a Gazprom-backed exhibition in Saint Petersburg as a family matter, questioning whether Oliynykova knows the athletes. Critics say naming opponents may be harassment; supporters argue silencing her undermines free speech on the war.

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Oliynykova says WTA officials approached her at the February Transylvania Open and demanded she stop naming players, citing a ‘depersonalization’ rule. The WTA spokesperson says no representative has spoken to her about the Instagram post and that no policy bans such references. The discrepancy between the athlete’s allegation and the tour’s denial remains unverified.

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• “I’m the victim of war. I don’t think it’s fair to punish me in any way and to limit my free speech in any way. I think it is horrible, actually. It’s wrong and it’s not about sport’s values and solidarity in sport.” — Oleksandra Oliynykova

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• “Every competition is important, every opportunity to say something about Ukraine. It’s sad, because this war is very long, and I think people are losing attention after so many years.” — Oleksandra Oliynykova

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• “We remain unequivocal in condemning Russia’s war on Ukraine and have consistently supported our Ukrainian players since the start of the conflict.” — WTA spokesperson

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• “I want peace, and if I could change anything, I would definitely do that,” — Aryna Sabalenka

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Oliynykova faces Czech seed Linda Nosková in the Italian Open third round. She says she will not be silenced even if it risks disqualification. The match outcome and any disciplinary action could set a precedent for how the WTA balances political expression with its Code of Conduct.

New York Times