"The WTA indicated it would not intervene" - Ukraine's Dayana Yastremska calls for sanctions against Mirra Andreeva over alleged pro-Russia stance

Ukrainian tennis star Dayana Yastremska recently expressed her outrage at the WTA for not taking action against Russian Mirra Andreeva. The 16-year-old Andreeva has allegedly shown support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on the internet.

Yastremska, who was born and raised in Odesa, Ukraine, has been vocal about her country’s plight ever since the conflict with Russia escalated.

Andreeva, on the other hand, is one of the most promising young talents in women’s tennis. She reached the final of the junior Australian Open in January and made headlines by reaching the third round of the French Open, the fourth round of the Madrid Open, and the fourth round of Wimbledon as a qualifier.

Yastremska posted an Instagram story on Thursday, July 27, in which she accused Andreeva of liking posts that "clearly concerned the atrocities committed to Ukrainians."

"I wanted to post about a recent situation in Switzerland which I find hardly acceptable. The tennis instances are unfortunately remaining indifferent to the atrocities committed in Ukraine," Yastremska wrote on Instagram.

The Ukrainian accused Andreeva of liking posts that glorify atrocities against Ukrainians and asked the WTA to step in.

"Recently, I asked that sanctions be taken against Mira Andreeva for having liked social media posts that clearly concerned the atrocities committed against Ukrainians and the WTA simply indicated it would not intervene. I am upset but remain committed to fighting for my country, my family and my friends in Ukraine," Yastremska wrote.

"I would like to give special thanks to Switzerland and tournament organizers for their warm reception," she added.

Dayana Yastremska demands action against Mirra Andreeva on Instagram

The jokes featuring President Vladimir Putin making fun of Ukraine were shared with the visible handle of Andreeva. A Ukrainian tennis handle shared them on Twitter on Monday, July 24.

The WTA has not issued any official statement on Dayana Yastremska’s allegations or Mirra Andreeva’s actions yet.

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Mirra Andreeva cruises past Dayana Yastremska in Lausanne opener but falls to Anna Bondar in second round

Mirra Andreeva in Wimbledon 2023

The sixth seed and World No. 64 Mirra Andreeva made a strong start to her campaign at the Lausanne Ladies Open, defeating Dayana Yastremska in straight sets (6-0, 6-2) on Monday, July 24.

Yastremska, who previously faced a six-month doping suspension in 2021, struggled to find her rhythm and made 28 unforced errors. The 23-year-old, who reached the fourth round of Wimbledon in 2019, now has a 22-14 win-loss record this season.

Andreeva’s run in Lausanne came to an end on Wednesday (July 26) when she lost to Anna Bondar of Hungary in the second round. Bondar, the World No. 60, upset the Russian teenager 7-6(3), 6-3 in an hour and 36 minutes.

Mirra Andreeva's doubles campaign also came to an end on the same day when the Russian and her compatriot Erika Andreeva lost to British duo Ali Collins and Freya Christie, 6-1, 6-4.