"I can't really go back" - Russian-born Daria Saville admits following comments made about invasion of Ukraine

WTA
Thursday, 26 May 2022 at 05:30
daria saville

Australian tennis star Daria Saville, who was born in Moscow, has admitted she most likely won't be returning to Russia after her comments about the invasion of Ukraine.

Saville, who reached the second round of Roland Garros, has opened up about her thoughts on Wimbledon's ban regarding Russian and Belarusian athletes, which has divided the tennis world. However, the ATP and WTA's decision to strip Wimbledon from handing out ranking points has also caused backlash.

After her first round match in Paris, Saville was asked if she had any sympathy for the Russians banned from the world's biggest tournament.

"Yes and no ... it's yeah, it's tough, it's hard for me also to comment," she said. "Already I can't really go back to Russia now. I definitely do support the Ukrainian players ... imagine not having a home."

Saville admitted the Wimbledon ban is a dividing point, which has seen her feel sorry for some of her friends that won't be able to play SW19.

"It's a grey area because I have way too many friends in Russia," said Saville, who became an Australian citizen in 2015. "Imagine (Daria) Kasatkina, one of my best friends. I want her to play, but they also understand the decision too."

The World No.127 said she is tossing up whether to qualify for Wimbledon, considering ranking points have now been stripped from the grand slam, or whether she will play somewhere else. But, the allure of the prize money appears to be a talking point.

"It's a bit tricky with points. I have to make a decision whether it's worth it to play (Wimbledon) qualifying or maybe I play the week before. I'm still weighing it up," she said. "The prize money at Wimbledon is good, That's why I'd like to qualify, but I'll make that decision later."

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