Russian tennis player Vera Zvonareva barred from entering Poland ahead of Warsaw Open
Poland has been a strong ally of Ukraine since Russia's invasion of the country in 2022. As a result, the country has been denying entry to individuals who support the actions of Russia and Belarus.
In Short
- Vera Zvonareva attempted to enter Poland for the Warsaw Open
- Zvonareva is a bronze medallist at the 2008 Olympics
- Zvonareva used visa issued by France to enter Poland
Russian tennis player Vera Zvonareva was blocked from entering Poland by the Polish Border Guard on Friday.
The Polish interior ministry cited reasons of state security and public safety for their decision. Zvonareva, a 38-year old bronze medalist at the 2008 Olympics, was scheduled to participate in the Warsaw Open tournament starting the following Monday.
Using a visa issued by France, Zvonareva attempted to enter Poland on a flight from Belgrade to Warsaw. However, she was not allowed entry and remained in the transit zone of Warsaw Chopin Airport. Later, she flew to Podgorica.
"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 according to Reuters.
"After arriving from Serbia, the tennis player stayed in the transit zone of Warsaw Chopin Airport and today after 1200 she flew to Podgorica."
Poland has been a strong ally of Ukraine since Russia's invasion of the country in 2022. As a result, the country has been denying entry to individuals who support the actions of Russia and Belarus. As of now, the organisers of the Warsaw Open tournament have not provided a response to the situation, Reuters reported.
"The safety and well-being of all players is a top priority of the WTA," the Women's Tennis Association said in a statement. "Vera has departed Poland and we will be evaluating the issue further with the event."