"Some Russians who create it" - Barbora Krejcikova on tension between Russian and Ukrainian players
Barbora Krejcikova recently claimed there is tension in the WTA locker room between Russian and Ukrainian players, which she believes has been created by certain Russian players with their stance on the ongoing war between the two countries. The Czech tennis star also claimed that these players behave differently in the locker room than they do in public.
The situation on the WTA tour over the war recently took a turn for the worse. Ukraine's Lesia Tsurenko claimed that WTA CEO Steve Simon told her she should not have a problem with Russian and Belarusian players' views on the war even if they were in support of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Krejcikova has now shed more light on the stressful situation in the WTA locker room. She told BTU that she avoids Russian players who create tension with their views.
"Yes, I feel it. On both sides," Barbora Krejcikova said. "But there are some Russians who create it. They don't speak publicly, but we see what they do in the locker room. Personally, I try to avoid them."
The 2021 French Open singles champion also opened up about her support for Ukraine. Krejcikova revealed that she has been in constant touch with the Ukrainians since the war began and has also offered help.
"I have been in contact with them since the beginning of the war. At the very beginning, I wrote to them to find out if everything was okay with them, if I could help in any way. I tried to support them. I know what is happening at home, I follow the news," she said.
Krejcikova recently also announced that she would donate her earnings from the Billie Jean King Cup to the victims of the Turkey earthquake.
Barbora Krejcikova shares her view on Russian and Belarusian players taking part in the Olympics
The doubles world No. 2 also talked about whether Russian and Belarusian players should be allowed to compete at next year's Olympics in Paris. According to Krejcikova, allowing a country that is waging war to be represented at the Olympics is against the ideals of the Games.
"I think that the Olympics have always been a celebration of friendship and peace. And if the country is waging an aggressive war, then it clearly does not respect these ideals. Anyone who supports an attack on a neighboring country has no place at the Olympics," Barbora Krejcikova opined.
Krejcikova and her Czech Republic teammates are currently involved in a Billie Jean King Cup Qualifiers tie against Ukraine. After Marketa Vondrousova beat Marta Kostyuk to give the Czech Republic an early boost, Krejcikova extended their lead with a 6-4, 6-3 win against Katarina Zavatska on Friday, April 14.