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Tennis The Ukrainian says she was 'absolutely shocked' by conversation with WTA chief executive Steve Simon

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Tsurenko's comments come as Wimbledon organisers appear set to lift their ban on Russian and Belarusian players, with the International Olympic Committee potentially heading in the same direction.

Simon relayed that information to Tsurenko, who said: "He expressed confidence that the Russians and Belarusians will return to the Olympics and said that it will happen exactly as it is happening now in tennis.

"He also said that fair play and Olympic principles were not violated, but on the contrary. When asked if he understood what he was saying to me during the active phase of Russia's military aggression in my country he said yes, and this was his opinion.

"I was completely shocked by this conversation, and already in the last match (against Donna Vekic) it was incredibly difficult to play. When it was time to go to the court, I had a panic attack and I simply could not go out there. I just broke down mentally, to be honest."

Tsurenko added that she and her fellow Ukrainian players who she told about the conversation are now questioning Simon's position.

"Everyone is also shocked," she said. "We asked to organise a conference call with the WTA board of directors to raise the question of how a person like Steve Simon can be a leader in the WTA and what should we do about it.

"How can we understand further that our organisation somehow protects our rights. I just don't understand how it happened in this world that such things need to be explained. It is very surprising and very painful."
 
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