Russian tennis player Anastasia Potapova, number 28 in the WTA ranking, sparked controversy at the Masters 1000 in Indian Wells (California) before her match against American Jessica Pegula. Potapova took to the court wearing a jersey for the Russian team Spartak Moscow.
The International Tennis Federation (ITF) banned the display of any emblems or symbols representing Russia during tournaments ever since the war began in Ukraine. Symbols representing Belarus, a staunch ally of Vladimir Putin, are also banned. In fact, Russian and Belarusian tennis players themselves do not have their flag assigned to them in the WTA and ATP rankings.
Russia’s Anastasia Potapova slammed by Iga Swiatek over shirt at Indian Wells https://t.co/ev0oOMudrO pic.twitter.com/X2YaoR0BZj
— New York Post (@nypost) March 16, 2023
As reported by CNN, WTA spokeswoman Amy Binder said, "Regarding the Russian soccer team jersey, the WTA has formally warned the player that it was not acceptable nor an appropriate action. We do not expect to see any reoccurrence of this in the future."
Potapova's behavior is not the first controversy related to Russia or Belarus in this edition of the Indian Wells Masters 1000. Ukrainian tennis player Lesia Tsurenko refused to play against Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka for personal reasons. Sabalenka has a close relationship with Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko, whom she supported in the last elections in her country.
