Russian player barred from entering Poland for Warsaw Open

James Richardson
Russian player Vera Zvonareva
Vera Zvonareva of Russia in action

Russian player Vera Zvonareva was denied entry to Poland on Friday due to concerns for public safety and state security, according to a statement from the Polish interior ministry on Saturday.

The 38-year-old, who won a bronze medal at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, was included on the entry list for the BNP Paribas Warsaw Open competition, which gets underway on Monday.

Currently ranked as the world No 60 Zvonareva hasn’t played since failing to qualify for Wimbledon.

“The Border Guard prevented a Russian tennis player from entering Poland. Vera Zvonareva, using a visa issued by France, tried to get into our country on a flight from Belgrade to Warsaw,” the ministry said in a statement.

“After arriving from Serbia, the tennis player stayed in the transit zone of Warsaw Chopin Airport and today after 1200 she flew to Podgorica.”

According to the government, Zvonareva is on a list of individuals deemed undesirable to be present in Poland at this time.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, Poland has emerged as one of the country’s most steadfast supporters, and it has been denying access to those who support the acts of Russia and Belarus.

The WTA has issued a short statement on the incident that reads: “The WTA is aware of the situation involving Vera Zvonareva in Warsaw.

“The safety and well-being of all players is a top priority of the WTA.

“Vera has departed Poland and we will be evaluating the issue further with the event.”

Iga Swiatek, the current world No 1, leads a star-studded field in her home competition at the BNP Paribas Warsaw Open.

READ MORE: Iga Swiatek’s 2023 tennis schedule; Where is she competing next and her season so far…

The WTA 250 competition will be contested in the Legia Tennis Stadium in Warsaw, Poland, on an outdoor hard court. The action starts on Monday, July 24.

When it was held on outdoor clay last summer, Caroline Garcia came out on top. Garcia overcame Swiatek in a gruelling three-set semifinal on her way to winning the tournament.

Along with the Ladies Open Lausanne and the Hamburg European Open, Warsaw i among three WTA 250 tournaments that will be taking place in the week of July 24.

In Hamburg, where Bernarda Pera will be back to defend her title, Daria Kasatkina and Donna Vekic are the top seeds in the field. At her home tournament in Lausanne, Belinda Bencic was originally set to be the top seed, however she withdrew due to a shoulder issue. Irina Camelia Begu of Romania takes over at the top of the draw. Also entered to play is teen sensation Mirra Andreeva. Both competitions are held outside on clay.

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