Russian star Zvonareva denied Poland entry and deported as authorities intervene
Russian tennis participant Vera Zvonareva was denied entry to Poland on Friday, with ‘public safety’ cited as the explanation for the choice. The 38-year-old wore a ‘no war’ visor hat on the Miami Open final 12 months, however her stance didn’t have an effect on the choice of the Polish authorities to disclaim her entry and deport her.
Zvonareva was anticipated to compete on the BNP Paribas Warsaw Open, which begins subsequent week. However, her place within the competitors has now been thrown into jeopardy and conversations are ongoing between the WTA and representatives of Poland concerning the problem.
The former US Open finalist is at the moment ranked because the world No 60 after she failed the qualify for Wimbledon, although the Russian participant – as soon as the world’s No 2 – now appears set to be compelled to attend for a later competitors to try to bounce again to kind because of Polish insurance policies.
Poland has been one of the crucial loyal allies of Ukraine since they have been invaded by Russia in February 2022, they usually have refused to melt their stance on a sporting entrance both. Earlier this week, their Minister of Sport, Kamil Bortniczuk, publicly introduced that he wouldn’t attend any matches that featured gamers from Russia or Belarus.
The WTA have confirmed that Zvonareva has now safely left Poland in a succinct assertion on the matter, which learn: “The WTA is aware of the situation involving Vera Zvonareva in Warsaw. The safety and well-being of all players is a top priority of the WTA. Vera has departed Poland and we will be evaluating the issue further with the event.”
The Polish authorities additionally launched a press release confirming their stance on the matter, saying: “Yesterday, July 21, the Border Guard prevented a Russian tennis player from entering Poland. Vera Zvonareva, using a visa issued by France, tried to get to our country on a flight from Belgrade to Warsaw. After arriving from Serbia, the tennis player stayed in the transit zone of Chopin Airport in Warsaw and today after 12.00pm flew to Podgorica.
“The Russian woman on the list of persons whose stay is undesirable in the territory of the Republic of Poland was not admitted by the Border Guard for reasons of state security and protection of public safety.
“Poland consistently opposes the regimes of (Vladimir) Putin and (Alexander) Lukashenko, refusing to allow people who support the actions of Russia and Belarus to enter our country.”
Last summer time, Wimbledon and Lawn Tennis Association have been penalised by the excursions for banning Russian and Belarusian gamers from competing, prompting each events to reverse their stance this 12 months.