Ukraine’s Oleksandra Olynikova decries ‘wicked war’ after French Open loss to Russia’s Diana Schneider tennis news

Oleksandra Olynikova made an impassioned plea for tennis to stand up against Ukraine’s “wicked” war after losing to Russia’s Diana Schneider in the third round of the French Open.

Before Olynikova answered any questions at her post-match press conference, following her 7-5, 6-1 loss to Schneider, she read a statement. This was two days after he made critical comments about Schneider.

“I know some people don’t agree with my work,” he said. “I know some people would prefer that I remain silent. But what I do is not about politics, it’s about humanity.

“When people are dying, when children are dying, when violence is justified or celebrated, we cannot pretend that nothing is happening.

“We cannot look away. We cannot defend those who support or excuse such actions. Our organization was not created by pioneers like Billie Jean King to allow money and luxury to be the only value in women’s tennis.

“Being a role model is not about the size of your bank account. It’s not about expensive watches, private jets or luxury brands.

“A true role model has the courage to stand up to evil. A true role model speaks when it’s easier to remain silent. A true role model has the determination to act when action is needed.

“As players we have a responsibility that goes beyond tennis, because sport should always stand with humanity and humanity should never be optional.”

Ahead of the competition, Olynikova likened her decision to play the past two winters to “playing in Nazi Germany for Gestapo officers” in an exhibition event funded by Russia’s state energy giant Gazprom in St. Petersburg.

The presence of eight additional security personnel around Small Court 7 was an indication that all was not quite normal.

“There is so much security here and I think nobody is talking about the fact that when I come back home, I will be attacked with drones and rockets,” said Olynikova. “For me, this contrast, I feel really weird about it.”

The Kiev resident’s father and boyfriend are in the Ukrainian army, and her run in Paris was particularly special because her father was on holiday and was able to cheer her on to court.

Fellow Ukrainian player Marta Kostyuk – who is set to play world No. 3 Iga Sveitek on Sunday – broke down in tears on court after her first-round match after a drone strike within 100 meters of her family’s home, but she admitted she no longer had the strength to bring up the issue.

Olynikova feels she has no choice, saying: “How can I be tired? This war, it defines my life, because my future is in Ukraine. Everything in my life is defined by the war.

“If I don’t try to do everything to help Ukraine win this war, my life will be destroyed. The people I love will be killed. I will be killed. I don’t see any other option for me.”

Shnaidar declared himself indifferent to Olynikova’s comments and defended his decision to play in Russia.

“I’ve been traveling all year,” she said. “I’m not seeing my family or my friends, and the only chance I have is to play in front of my family, in front of my friends, just to spend a little more time at home.

“I didn’t know anything about what he said. Wasn’t interested at all.”

Olynikova added that it’s impossible to talk to Russian players on the women’s tour because, she said, they “have this terrible belief.”

He also accused Schneider, who has refused to express his views on the war, of liking Russian propaganda posts on social media.

“She doesn’t want to comment on the fight because, if she does say her opinion, it would be a very big scandal, but I’m showing you the evidence,” added Olynikova, who accused the WTA of trying to silence her.

“Someone has to respond. I want to stop the tour being so hypocritical that they can’t do anything.”

The WTA said in a statement: “This is an incredibly sensitive situation, and we understand that players’ personal views will be strong.

“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.”