Two-time Grand Slam champion Svetlana Kuznetsova addressed the topic of Russian players changing their sports citizenship.
“Of course, it makes me sad. It`s sad to see athletes we know leaving and starting to play for other countries. But ultimately, it`s their choice, and I can`t condemn anyone.”
“Unfortunately, there is very little support for athletes here. I`m speaking about tennis now – that`s the area I understand. I don`t work in the federation, but I hear many echoes and stories. For example, I know that Rybakina needed financial support. The amount wasn`t that large by the standards of the country and the federation. But she didn`t receive it. And as a result, she started representing another country. I heard this from Rybakina`s team – perhaps the federation has a different opinion.”
“Therefore, you can`t generalize here. Everyone has their own situation, their own reasons. Some leave to have the opportunity to grow and develop. Speaking for myself, I was very lucky that my parents could support my tennis. And yes, I was offered to play for Spain and America, and there would have been more advantageous contracts and funding there. But I chose to stay. It was important for me to represent the country where I was born and where I feel at home. And I`ve never regretted it.”
“But again: everyone makes their own choice. Until you`ve walked in their shoes – or, in this case, sneakers – you can`t truly understand what a person is going through. Often, a transition isn`t about `betrayal` but about the desire to survive in the profession, to realize one`s potential, to achieve success.”
“Of course, I really wish there was more support in Russia: funding, tournaments, conditions for growth. Then there would be fewer reasons to leave. But for now, unfortunately, the situation is far from ideal. I sincerely hope this changes in the future.”
I would really like athletes to receive the kind of support provided, for example, in my father`s team, where cyclists are given food, accommodation, training, and coaching for free. In my opinion, exactly this kind of system is needed in tennis so that promising children have a place to train, good coaches, and all the necessary conditions, including accommodation and education.
— wrote Kuznetsova on her Telegram channel.
