Ukrainian Player Lesia Tsurenko Sues WTA and Chairman Steve Simon Over Handling of Russian Athletes
Lesia Tsurenko has taken legal action against the WTA and its chairman Steve Simon, claiming negligence and emotional harm due to their approach to Russian and Belarusian players following the outbreak of war in Ukraine. The amended lawsuit highlights promises allegedly broken by the WTA regarding the participation of players supporting the war and details the personal toll on Tsurenko's mental he
Ukrainian Player Lesia Tsurenko Sues WTA and Chairman Steve Simon Over Handling of Russian Athletes
NEW YORK — Ukrainian tennis player Lesia Tsurenko has amended a lawsuit against the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) and its chairman, Steve Simon, accusing them of breach of contract, negligence, and causing emotional distress through their handling of Russian and Belarusian players during the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, claims that WTA leadership failed to honor commitments made during a meeting with Ukrainian players. Tsurenko asserts that WTA officials, including Simon, had assured them that Russian and Belarusian players who publicly supported the invasion of Ukraine would be banned. Despite these assurances, the lawsuit alleges that no such bans were implemented.
Tsurenko pointed to specific examples, such as Russian player Veronika Kudermetova wearing a sponsor patch for Taneft at the French Open. Taneft is a subsidiary of a company sanctioned by the European Union for its involvement in supplying the Russian military.
“Despite this promise,” the lawsuit reads, “neither Defendant Steve Simon nor Defendant WTA banned Russian and Belarus players who publicly supported the war.”
The WTA issued a statement reaffirming its condemnation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and its commitment to supporting Ukrainian players. The organization emphasized its founding principles of equality and non-discrimination, stating that its competitions remain merit-based and open to all qualifying players, regardless of nationality.
In the aftermath of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the WTA, ATP, and ITF announced that Russian and Belarusian athletes could continue competing under a neutral status, without their national flags. This policy remains in place, with Russian players such as Mirra Andreeva and Diana Shnaider competing under neutral status at international events.
Tsurenko’s lawsuit notes that she suffered a panic attack before a match at Indian Wells due to the possibility of facing a Russian or Belarusian opponent. She described ongoing psychological effects including stress, impaired focus, and emotional distress, all of which have impacted her ability to compete professionally.
In 2023, Lindsay Brandon, the WTA’s director of safeguarding, informed Tsurenko that an investigation into Simon’s conduct was being initiated. However, the organization later concluded that Simon had not violated the WTA’s code of conduct or employee handbook. Tsurenko’s appeal of this decision was unsuccessful.
“Even in my worst nightmares, I couldn't imagine that the professional tour, which I considered my home, would become a terrifying and alien place,” Tsurenko posted on social media. She accused Simon of committing an act of “moral abuse,” which led to her panic attack and subsequent withdrawal.
The original lawsuit, filed in November 2023, seeks a jury trial. The WTA is being represented by the law firm Proskauer Rose, which recently filed a motion to dismiss the case, calling Tsurenko’s claims “legally defective.” The WTA has until April 30 to decide whether to continue with the motion.
In its latest statement, the WTA expressed sympathy for Tsurenko and other Ukrainian players but reaffirmed that it acted within its rules and responsibilities. “We are confident that we will prevail in this litigation,” the statement concluded.