Svitolina to play against Potapova despite threatening to boycott Monterrey event

Elina Svitolina will play her Monterrey 1st round match against Anastasia Potapova after an agreenment has been reached.

Svitolina threatened to boycott the event after the draw was released writing on Instagram what essentially was deemed the official position by her and other Ukrainian tennis players. She wrote:

‘Dear all, 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.

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Accordingly, I want to announce that I will not play tomorrow in Monterrey, nor any other match against Russian or Belarusian tennis players until our organisations take this necessary decision. 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.‘Their support is essential."

However, Svitolina will play the match after her conditions were met. According to BTU.ua Svitolina said:

“Everything has been agreed. The personnel responsible for broadcasting the match, as well as those responsible for the game, have confirmed that all flags and written attributes pointing to Russia will be removed during tomorrow’s (Tuesday’s) match."