A Russian WTA player was denied entry into the Czech Republic ahead of the Prague Open, as the country’s government recently passed a resolution prohibiting athletes from Russia and Belarus from taking part in events on Czech soil.
Even though the WTA allows Russians and Belarusians to compete, only without representing their homeland and displaying national flags or symbols, tennis players from those countries are facing increasing restrictions in Europe. At the end of June, the Czech Republic passed a resolution that bans athletes from Russia and Belarus, empowering the police to revoke visas issued to nationals from these countries. Following an incident where an early arriving player for the Prague Open was denied entry into the Czech Republic, the tournament organizers advised other Russian and Belarusian players not to travel for the event.
A week ago, Russian Vera Zvonareva was not allowed to enter Poland due to being perceived as a threat to state security and public safety. The 2008 Olympic bronze medallist thus couldn’t compete at the Warsaw Open.
In addition, a Polish ATP challenger event initially made a controversial announcement stating their unwelcoming stance towards Russian players. However, they later removed the statement, choosing instead to express…
