"We can't do anything": Russia's whinging over young tennis star's desire to flee to France

The President of the Russian Tennis Federation (RTF), Shamil Tarpishchev, has complained that he has no influence on the situation around Mirra Andreeva, who is preparing to play under the French flag. The official, who is known for his rude remarks about Ukrainian women, added that the 16-year-old athlete is under the influence of her parents.

Tarpishchev told Championat.com about this. He noted that it is impossible for him to get to the Roland Garros French Open to talk to the young tennis player, as he is under sanctions for supporting Russia's military aggression against Ukraine.

"It's up to the parents to decide, not Andreeva. Of course, they are being treated there from morning to night - we, the federation, cannot do anything about it. We are limited now, I can't even go to Roland Garros to talk to them," Tarpishchev said.

It should be noted that Andreeva is considered one of the most talented tennis players in the world. At Wimbledon 2023, she reached the fourth round, where she staged a demarche after losing to American Madison Keys. For her behaviour, the Russian was punished with the largest fine at the tournament.

As OBOZREVATEL previously reported, the organisers of Wimbledon 2023 categorically responded to Elina Svitolina's call for an official statement on the attitude of Ukrainian women to Russian and Belarusian women.

Only verified information is available in our Obozrevatel Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!