The best Dutch tennis player forms a team with, among others, Alexander Bublik from Kazakhstan and his girlfriend Anastasia Potapova from Russia. In the tournament organized since 2022, they will compete against the team including Daniil Medvedev and Karen Khachanov from Russia.
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Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, no international ATP and WTA tournaments have taken place in Russia. The international tennis federation ITF suspended the tennis associations of Russia and Belarus, which means they are also not allowed to participate in national tournaments. Russian and Belarusian tennis players compete in ATP and WTA tournaments under a neutral flag.
Australian tennis player Thanasi Kokkinakis participated in the tournament last year. However, the Australian Tennis Federation had advised the tennis player not to participate.
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What does the KNLTB say about Greek track participation in Russia?
Tennis association KNLTB said in a response ANP know that we are aware of Greek Spoor’s intention to participate in the Northern Palmyra Trophies. “We have been in contact with Greek Spoor to inform him about the position of the KNLTB. At the same time, players are free to make their own choices and considerations with regard to participation in competitions and tournaments in Russia. Greek Spoor has made that decision independently in this case, the KNLTB is not involved.”
The tennis association says it follows the guidelines of the sports umbrella organization NOC*NSF and the International Tennis Federation (ITF). These prescribe that no players or representative teams participate on behalf of the association in events in Russia in response to the war in Ukraine.
What does the minister say about Greek track in Russia?
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, David van Weel (VVD), calls on Greek Spoor to refrain from playing tennis in Russia. “It is not forbidden to participate in tournaments in Russia, but I would urge him not to do it. Just look at the moral aspects,” Van Weel said during the Ukraine debate on Thursday evening.