Russian tennis star Vera Zvonareva makes her feelings on the invasion of Ukraine crystal clear... as the former Wimbledon finalist plays in the Miami Open with 'No War' written on the side of her cap

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Russian Vera Zvonareva sent a message for peace during her 6-1 6-4 third-round loss to American Danielle Collins at the Miami Open on Saturday, donning a visor with the words 'No War' scrawled on the side.

The gesture comes after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which began on February 24 in the largest assault on a European state since 1945 that prompted outrage and broad sanctions from the United States and its allies.

Russia calls its action a 'special military operation.'

Zvonareva was part of a Russian podium sweep in the women's singles at the 2008 Olympics, where she picked up bronze. 

Twice a Grand Slam finalist, including at Wimbledon in 2010, the 37-year-old is currently ranked 117th.

Russian Daniil Medvedev and Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka both called for peace at Indian Wells earlier this month. Belarus has served as a staging ground for the invasion.

Meanwhile, world number seven Andrey Rublev also wrote 'no war please' on a TV camera after one of his matches at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. 

Tennis authorities banned Russia and Belarus from international team competitions following the invasion. 

Vera Zvonareva had the message 'NO WAR' written on the side of her tennis cap on Saturday

Players from Russia and Belarus are allowed to compete on tour but not under the name or flag of their countries.

Australian Open finalist Collins advanced on Saturday despite neck pain affecting her form in the second set, where she twice sought the help of a physio. 

She will take on Tunisia's Ons Jabeur on Monday for a place in the quarter-finals of the Masters 1000 event. 

Zvonareva is a former two-time Grand Slam finalist but she is now in the twilight of her career

She was beaten by Australian Open finalist Danielle Collins in straight sets in Miami