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In her first season on the WTA Tour, Olynykova has emerged as one of the strongest Ukrainian voices advocating an end to the war with Russia.
Russia invaded Ukraine – in what Putin called a “special military operation” – in February 2022 and has been backed by its ally Belarus.
Olinnikova’s Kiev apartment had no electricity or running water while training for the Australian Open in January. Both her father and her boyfriend are serving in the military.
“If I stay silent, I don’t understand what I’m doing here. How can I? If I don’t try to do everything to help Ukraine win this war, my life will be ruined,” said Olynikova.
“People I love will be killed. I will be killed. I don’t see any other option for me.”
At the Australian Open this year, Olynikova criticized top Russian and Belarusian players – including Grand Slam champions Daniil Medvedev and Aryna Sabalenka – for not speaking out against their country’s regime.
Medvedev also competed in the annual Northern Palmyra Trophy sponsored by Gazprom in November.
Olynikova has repeatedly called for the WTA Tour to take action against participating players, claiming again on Friday that the tour was hypocritical for not sanctioning them.
The WTA said it remained “unequivocal” in condemning Russia’s war on Ukraine, but added it was an “extremely sensitive situation”.
“All WTA athletes have the right to express themselves. At the same time, the WTA is committed to maintaining a professional and respectful environment for all athletes, regardless of nationality or country,” the governing body added.
