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Petra Kvitova has raised concerns over Wimbledon's decision to allow players from Russia and Belarus to compete at the Grand Slam in 2023 amidst the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The All England Club had decided back in 2022 to ban Russian and Belarusian players from Wimbledon due to their countries' invasion of Ukraine. In response, the WTA, ATP and ITF had stripped Wimbledon of all ranking points.
But earlier this week, on March 31, Wimbledon announced that players from Russia and Belarus would be allowed to compete in the 2023 edition.
Petra Kvitova, who reached her 13th WTA 1000 final at the 2023 Miami Open after defeating Sorana Cirstea in straight sets, stated in her post-match presser that her concern lay more with the Ukrainian players and people.
"Well, first of all, for sure, I always state like against the war. For sure I'm just more worried about the Ukrainian people and players," she said.
She went on to acknowledge Wimbledon's difficult position last year, but opposed their latest decision. Kvitova expressed her belief that Russian and Belarusian players should not be allowed to participate at the grasscourt Major or even the Olympics due to the ongoing war.
"I appreciate that Wimbledon had a tough time last year not giving the points, that Belarusian and Russian didn't play. And I think they shouldn't be allowed, actually, in my opinion, either to Olympics. I'm just still a bit on the Ukrainian side of this," she added.
Petra Kvitova gears up to face Elena Rybakina in the Miami Open final
Petra Kvitova will take on Elena Rybakina in the 2023 Miami Open final on Saturday. During her semifinal press conference, the 33-year-old praised Rybakina for reaching the final in Miami after her title run at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells.
"As you said, she's playing very good, winning Indian Wells, returning here in the final. For sure it's a great achievement," Kvitova said.
Kvitova pointed out the similarities between their playing styles and commented that the outcome of the match would be based on whoever managed to deal with the pressure better.
"She's a big hitter, big server as well. I'm the same. It's depends really how we are gonna handle the pressure from the opponent," she added.
Petra Kvitova and Elena Rybakina are tied 1-1 in their head-to-head. Kvitova won their most recent encounter, at this year's Adelaide International 2, in straight sets.
