Former Ukrainian tennis player Alexandr Dolgopolov is accusing WTA CEO Steve Simon of “intimidating Ukrainian women.” On Monday, Ukraine’s Lesia Tsurenko told Ukrainian media BTU: “He (Simon) told me that he himself does not support the war, but if the players from Russia and Belarus support it, then this is only their own opinion, and the opinion of other people should not upset me.” Tsurenko, who was scheduled to play Belarusia’s Aryna Sabalenka in the Indian Wells third round, also said she had to withdraw from the match because Simon’s comments triggered her a panic attack.
Dolgopolov is urging Simon “to be a man” and now make his comments public. “Steve, instead of intimidating Ukrainian women, be a man and take this to the public. Conversation happened with you on duty, people deserve to know, it’s OK, to support genocide,” Dolgopolov tweeted.
Steve Simon, @WTA CEO to @LTsurenko :“I don’t support the war, but it’s OK if ð·ðºð§ð¾ players support it”.
Steve, instead of intimidating Ukrainian women, be a man and take this to the public.Conversation happened with you on duty,people deserve to know,it’s OK, to support genocide https://t.co/2fcIgmzTwj — Alex Dolgopolov (@TheDolgo) March 13, 2023
