Pavlyuchenkova refused entry to Czech Republic, won’t play in Prague

The Russian revealed the news on her Instagram feed

Anastasia_Pavluychenkova_Strasbourg_2023

Chryslene Caillaud / Panoramic

July 29, 2023

It’s news that will add fuel to the fire. Russian player Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, who had entered the Prague tournament starting next week (July 31 – August 6), was turned away at the airport on her arrival in the Czech Republic.

Just before making her non-participation in the Prague tournament official, the former world No 11 shared a press release from the WTA, on her Instragram feed, which put the issue on the table. “Despite their neutrality, certain WTA players have been denied the opportunity to participate in the WTA 250 event in Prague next week by the Czech authorities,” the statement said.

The WTA is adamant: “WTA rules stipulate that all players must be allowed to participate in the WTA on the basis of merit alone, without discrimination. We will continue to review the situation taking into account the important considerations related to these complex geopolitical issues.”

WTA statement pertaining to athletes denied entry into Czech Republic:

The WTA emphatically condemns the war in Ukraine and the reprehensible actions of the Russian government. The WTA also continues to support the Tour’s Ukrainian athletes – as well as all WTA athletes – who…

— wta (@WTA) July 28, 2023

It should be noted that Belarusian Aliaksandra Sasnovich, entered in the main draw, and three other Russian players, entered in the qualifiers, are no longer on the tournament programme. In June, the Czech Republic approved the ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes taking part in competitions and matches on its territory. Implementation was swift.

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