Mirra Andreeva, currently ranked 7th in the WTA rankings, dodged direct questions about the war while unexpectedly speaking about peace. The 18-year-old Russian tennis player failed to condemn her country's military aggression when pressed on the topic.
"When I play tennis, I only think about the game. I try to become better and enjoy life," stated the young athlete when first asked about her position.
When reporters requested clarification, Andreeva again avoided specifics. > "I'm for peace and hope everything will be resolved soon," she said, offering nothing more substantial.
Fans on social media quickly pointed out that such vague responses represent a typical tactic among Russian athletes. Many noted that these players want to preserve their international careers but seem unable to openly acknowledge their country's responsibility for the war and destruction.
Interestingly, this isn't the first time Andreeva has made headlines for her behavior. During her Roland Garros quarterfinal match against Lois Boisson, the Krasnoyarsk native lost her temper and angrily launched a ball into the crowd, earning herself an official warning.
Will other tournaments start demanding clearer positions from athletes on critical global issues? The tennis world continues to navigate the complex intersection of sports and politics.
