Since a Russian is still permitted to compete, "I'm in the luckiest sport." - Daria Kasatkina

Posted : 01 May 2023

The top female player in Russia says she is pleased to be playing at Wimbledon again this year and considers tennis to be the "luckiest sport" for Russians.

Daria Kasatkina, the eighth-ranked player in the world, has previously criticized her nation's invasion of Ukraine and called the conflict a "full-blown nightmare."

After the All England Club lifted the ban imposed last year, Russians and Belarusians will once again be able to attend Wimbledon.

In reaction to the conflict, which Belarus is supporting, they were outlawed.

This year's competitors must finish a personal declaration that exonerates them from the state and the conflict.

Kasatkina is aware that others are not as lucky and that many sports prohibit Russian and Belarusian teams and athletes from competing. They are also free to compete in all other individual tennis competitions under a neutral flag.

"I was really sad to miss Wimbledon last year - of course for a reason, but it still was painful," the 25-year-old said after beating Lesia Tsurenko of Ukraine in the third round of the Madrid Open.

"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.

"95% of the athletes from Russia could not go outside and compete in the international events, and we really appreciate this opportunity and that we can be on the international stage."

Any Ukrainian player competing in the Wimbledon main draw or qualifying round will receive two rooms free of charge from the All England Club and the Lawn Tennis Association for the duration of the grass-court season.

Once their involvement in the French Open is over, they will also be able to practice on courts at the All England Club and in Surbiton.

"Most of the players they cannot go back to their practice bases, they can't go home, so I think it makes a lot of sense to give them the opportunity to practice in London," Kasatkina added.

"They cannot go back home, they have to be always on the road and they have to pay all the time for accommodation so I think it makes a lot of sense."

At the conclusion of their encounter in Madrid, Kasatkina, who claims to have already completed her personal declaration for Wimbledon, did not shake hands with Tsurenko.

She does not, however, find it upsetting.

Since a Russian is still permitted to compete, "I'm in the luckiest sport." - Daria Kasatkina

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