"Should resign immediately; really about having basic level of empathy & decency": Tennis fans disgusted by WTA CEO's remarks on Russia-Ukraine war

Women's Tennis Association (WTA) CEO Steve Simon's recent remarks on the Russia-Ukraine war have put him on the receiving end of the wrath of tennis fans from all over the world.

Ukrainian tennis professional Lesia Tsurenko recently withdrew herself from Indian Wells after suffering a panic attack following her conversation with Simon regarding Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

As revealed by Big Tennis Ukraine, Tsurenko was shocked upon hearing Simon's statement.

"I had a conversation with our WTA CEO, Steve Simon, and I was absolutely shocked by what I heard. He told me that he himself does not support the war, but if the players from Russia and Belarus support it, then this is only their own opinion, and the opinion of other people should not upset me," Tsurenko said.

The Ukrainian player also said what the WTA CEO had to say when asked about the possibility of banning Russian and Belarusian players.

"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," she said.

Soon after the news was made public, tennis fans chastised Steve Simon and turned to social media to express their disgust at the former tournament director of the Indian Wells Open.

One Twitter user called for Simon's resignation, given that the news is verified to be true.

"If this is true, Mr Simon should resign immediately. He can buy himself a ticket to Moscow and he can stay there for good. Disgrace."

Some fans even questioned Steve Simon's morals.

"Like how do you even...It's really about having some basic level of empathy and decency."

Another fan called Simon a "disgusting human being," while hoping for Tsurenko's better health.

"no words for that disgusting human being… I can’t imagine how horrible this must be for Lesia, hopefully she’s getting the correct help she needs."

Fans continued to express their disgust at Simon's statements.

"This is so awful in so many levels. What a terrible human being. It’s a disgrace that he’s the president of the organization. And I feel quite bad for Tsurenko."

Below are a few more fan reactions:

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The Women's Tennis Association released a statement following Steve Simon's remarks

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Soon after facing backlash due to Steve Simon's controversial remarks on the Russia-Ukraine war and how the Russian and Belarusian players can support the war if they want to, the WTA released a statement.

"First and foremost, we acknowledge the emotions Lesia and all of our Ukrainian athletes have and continue to manage during this very difficult period of time. We are witnessing an ongoing horrific war that continues to bring unforeseen circumstances with far reaching consequences that are affecting the world, as well as the global WTA Tour and its members."

"The WTA has consistently reflected our full support for Ukraine and strongly condemn the actions that have been brought forth by the Russian government."

"With this, a fundamental principle of the WTA remains, which is ensuring that individual athletes may participate in professional tennis events based on merit and without any form of discrimination, and not penalised due to the decisions made by the leadership of their country," the statement read.

During her match against Donna Vekic in the second round of Indian Wells, the Croatian accused Tsurenko of faking an injury as the latter won the match. In the end, Vekic refused to shake hands with Tsurenko, citing the same reason. Lesia Tsurenko was due to play Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka in the next round.