Lesia Tsurenko: Ukrainian to take legal action after WTA ‘moral abuse’

The WTA has emphasised its position in opposing Russia’s invasion and maintaining its support of Ukrainian athletes.

“From the outset, the WTA has been steadfast and clear in its condemnation of Russia’s war on Ukraine and the actions of the Russian government against the Ukrainian people,” the association said.

“Consistent with our position, the WTA has taken numerous steps to assist our Ukrainian player members, who have faced great challenges as professional athletes.

“The WTA has been equally clear that it was founded on principles of equality and non-discrimination and its rules provide that competitions are open to all women players who qualify based on their merit, and without discrimination.

“Consistent with those principles, and in common with other tennis organizations, the WTA has taken the position that individual athletes should not be penalised for the actions of their governments.”

It added: “While the WTA has the greatest sympathy for the significant challenges that Ms Tsurenko and our other Ukrainian athletes have faced, we are disappointed that she has decided to engage in litigation to seek to hold the WTA responsible for her distress.

“At all times, the WTA and its management acted appropriately and in accordance with our rules, and we are confident that we will prevail in this litigation.”