World No.1 tennis player Iga Swiatek has called out Russian player Anastasia Potapova after she wore a Russian football jersey onto court at Indian Wells.
Potapova was seen wearing a Spartak Moscow shirt before her clash with Jessica Pegula on Monday, which she lost 6-3 4-6 5-7.
The moment seemed innocuous enough, however a number of tennis fans and commentators took exception to Potapova’s actions due to the message it seemingly sends about her home nation.
Russian and Belarusian players are currently barred from competing under their national flags due to the invasion of Ukraine, however they are allowed
At such a tumultuous time, many believed Potapova was wrong to show her support for Russia – albeit through her favourite football team.
Ahead of her blockbuster clash with Emma Raducanu on Tuesday, Swiatek was among those to hit out over Potapova’s actions.
