Elina Svitolina will refuse to play Russian or Belarusian players unless tennis’ governing bodies have them compete as neutral athletes in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

World number 15 has already committed to donating her prize money to the Ukrainian military and humanitarian efforts.

She has now been drawn against Russia’s Anastasia Potapova in the first round of the Monterrey Open.

In a post on Twitter, Svitolina announced she would not contest that match or any other against players from Russia or Belarus.

Svitolina said, however, she could play if the ATP, WTA, and ITF follow the recommendation of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and remove any reference to their national identities.

Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered an invasion of Ukraine last Thursday, with neighbouring Belarus effectively used as a staging post for the Russian military.

“I believe the current situation requires a clear position from our organisations: ATP, WTA, and ITF. As such, we —- Ukrainian players —- requested 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,” Svitolina wrote.

She added, “Accordingly, I want to announce that I will not play tomorrow (Tuesday) in Monterrey, nor any other match against Russian or Belarusian tennis players until our organisations take this necessary decision.”

Svitolina saluted the likes of Daniil Medvedev, Andrey Rublev, and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, Russian players who have all spoken out against the war.

“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,” added the tennis player. “Their support is essential.”

(dpa/NAN)