The topic is omnipresent, on the pitch or in the changing room. Because, of course, sport and politics cannot be separated: “It’s a constant topic in the world and so it’s also a constant topic between the players on the tour,” says Siegemund, almost sounding surprised that this is being questioned.
Russian double partner and good friend
In the first five weeks of the war, Siegemund went from tournament to tournament with her Russian doubles partner Vera Zvonareva. “Of course you talk about such things, they have to do with everyday life, with families.” Together with Zvonareva, Siegemund won the doubles title at the US Open in 2020. Most recently in Lyon and Miami again. But it was difficult to celebrate carefree when the head is also with the family in Russia. Zvonareva is now back with her child in Moscow.
External communication is not without risk
During the conversation, we become aware of how dangerous it can be to tell too much. That words can quickly become traps. With consequences that are unimaginable for us. Things that are reported cannot be written. Out of concern for families in Russia, exchanges are taking place internally, but many remain silent on the outside. “Well, I don’t know anyone right now who would have expressed themselves in any way,” says Siegemund and thinks again for a moment. That’s why she doesn’t have the impression “that she [russische und belarussische Spielerinnen] be dissed now, but on the contrary, you’ve known the people for years.” Players like the Russian Daria Kasatkina also had the tennis family because of this referred to as a “safe place”.
The war also plays a role in the finale
The final opponent of Stuttgart winner Swiatek was Aryna Sabalenka from Belarus. There was no abbreviation of nationality behind her name in Stuttgart. If everyone agreed in tennis, if everyone were as consistent as the organizers in Wimbledon, then Sabalenka would not have played here at all. “I think it’s a shame that sport and politics are mixed up,” said the tournament’s sporting director, Anke Huber, at the balance sheet press conference. “For me, these are girls and boys who just want to play tennis and practice their sport.” This statement paled in comparison to the sporting glamor on the court. Stuttgart winner Iga Swiatek was strong even without a tennis racket. On her cap she wore a little flag, blue and yellow, the colors of the Ukraine. And she still had the cap on when she said the last words of her acceptance speech with a serious look: “Stay strong and united.”
Source: SWR