Iga Swiatek admitted she was surprised by Anastasia Potapova’s decision to enter the court in Indian Wells wearing the jersey of a Russian football club Spartak Moscow. On Monday, world No 28 Potapova wore a Spartak Moscow jersey when she was entering the court for her Indian Wells third-round match against Jessica Pegula.
Potapova’s controversial decision drew ire as many thought that she was sending a political message in the moments when everyone is condemning Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
Potapova later defended herself by claiming that she is a Spartak fan and nothing more than that. Swiatek spoke to the WTA about the situation, who reassured her those situations will not happen.
Swiatek on the Potapova controversy
“I was surprised as I thought she realised that she should not, even if she is a fan of the team, show her views at such times.
I talked to the WTA and I found out that these situations will probably be less, as they will explain to players that it is not allowed to promote any Russian teams now, which reassured me a little bit.
On the other hand, I think the message should have been sent much earlier,” Swiatek told Przeglad Sportowy, as revealed by Diego Barbiani.
