"It's like Ukrainian players don't exist" - Kostyuk critical of WTA Players' Council for no consultation about Wimbledon decision

Wednesday, 25 May 2022 at 02:15

Kyiv-born, Marta Kostyuk has been one of the leading players on the WTA Tour to voice their concerns throughout the Russian invasion into her homeland Ukraine and this has continued at the French Open.

The 19-year-old was critical of the decision by the WTA to strip ranking points from Wimbledon due to the Players' Council not consulting players including Ukrainians about the decision.

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"I would say 80-85% of the players had nothing to do with the (WTA) decision," she told Reuters after losing to Mayar Sherif on Tuesday. "It's so ridiculous I couldn't believe it.

"None of the players' representatives contacted me. None of them asked about my opinion, what I think. It's like Ukrainian players don't exist.

"I've been trying to be as vocal as possible but you feel hopeless most of the time about the situation. I'm still 19. What can I say? It's not easy."

She was also critical of former Grand Slam champion, Victoria Azarenka who is involved in the Players' Council and making the decisions on that end despite not being allowed to play at the All England Lawn & Tennis Club due to being Belarusian.

"I want my fellow players to support and understand the situation and be vocal on some things as well," she added as she thanked certain players including Iga Swiatek.

"But I mean, look at what Rafa said, look at what Novak said. How can you get the support from the tour when top three players say these things?

"Victoria Azarenka is in the players' board, making decisions about points in Wimbledon, where she's not even participating. And saying that she has no personal interest in making decisions. Just the fact that she's present there on the calls, doing whatever. It's ridiculous."

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Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief

Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.

Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.

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