Russian Daria Kasatkina is grateful for the fact that tennis is the “luckiest sport” at present, as tennis players are fortunate to be allowed to compete on the international stage regardless of their nationality. Even Wimbledon, which banned Russians and Belarusians last year, has lifted the ban in 2023.
The WTA world No.8 Kasatkina has always been vocal about opposing the Russian invasion of Ukraine and called it “a full-blown nightmare.” Regardless, she was not allowed to play the UK grass-court season last year.
“I was really sad to miss Wimbledon last year – of course for a reason, but it still was painful,” said the 25-year-old, who is playing the Mutua Madrid Open this week. “I’m happy that we will be able to come back this year and to be honest we are the luckiest sport as we are able to compete still.”
Kasatkina went on to point out how 95% of Russian athletes are not able to do their job in foreign countries and how she really appreciates the fact that tennis players are an exception to the rule.
Tennis players from Russia, and Belarus, are competing under a neutral flag, that is the only restriction, but in order to enter Wimbledon they will also have to sign a neutrality declaration which distances them from their states, regimes and leaders. Kasatkina has already finished her paperwork. (source: BBC)
