The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) has announced it will not impose sanctions on players taking part in an exhibition event in Russia this weekend. The men’s ATP Tour has stated that it will not penalise its players for competing in the competition.
The Northern Palmyra Trophies competition will be contested from December 1 to 3 in St Petersburg. It will include players from both the WTA and the men’s ATP Tour. The event is taking place while Russia is still at war with Ukraine. Russian energy company Gazprom is sponsoring the event.
“Players compete on the WTA Tour as independent contractors and, at their discretion, have the ability to participate in an exhibition without penalty during the offseason.” Also read: Jannik Sinner Knocks Out Djokovic to keep Italy alive in Davis Cup
“ATP does not currently place restrictions during the offseason related to exhibition events and, as independent contractors, players are able to choose where they compete,” the ATP told Reuters on Tuesday.
Former French and US Open quarterfinalist Yulia Putintseva of Kazakhstan, Russian world number 28 Anastasia Potapova, and former Roland Garros quarterfinalist Veronika Kudermetova of Russia are among the WTA players competing. ATP participants include world No. 15 Karen Khachanov of Russia, Roberto Bautista Agut of Spain, and Adrian Mannarino of France. Also read: Davis Cup Winners List And Winning Prize Money