Anastasia Potapova defends herself: "No political statement"
Anastasia Potapova of Russia has strenuously denied that there was any political motivation behind her act in wearing a shirt of Russian football club Spartak Moscow in Indian Wells.
by tennisnet.com
last edit: Mar 25, 2023, 10:53 am
For her third-round match in the Californian desert against Jessica Pegula, Potapova chose to come onto the court wearing a Spartak Moscow jersey. She received criticism for her action from world number one Iga Swiatek, among others, and was also officially warned by the WTA.
She was surprised by this warning from the WTA: "There was no political intention in this shirt. I'm just a big fan of Spartak since I was ten years old. My father built part of the stadium for this team, so it's in ours Family. I was very surprised because there was no ill intent," Potapova told The Daily Mail.
After a first-round bye in Miami, Potapova defeated Ukraine's Kostyuk 6-1, 6-3 in their opening game in Florida. After the match point, Kostyuk just went to her chair without shaking Potapova's hand. However, Potapova had expected that: “I expected it. It's obviously her choice. I accept that I'm here to play tennis to forget some other things," Potapova said.
Kostyuk was disappointed that Potapova only received a formal warning from the WTA: "I disagree with a lot of things the WTA is doing," said the Ukrainian after the match in Florida.
Potapova also reiterated that she hopes to compete at Wimbledon this year. Last year Russian and Belarusian players were excluded from the competition. Although Wimbledon hasn't made any official announcements yet, all indications are that Russian and Belarusian players will be allowed to compete there again in 2023. "I dream about it because it's one of my favorite parts of the season. I can only pray and hope for it. If we can compete there I will be very happy," said Potapova.