Kudermetova will remove Russian sponsorship to compete at Wimbledon
Veronika Kudermetova, the second ranked Russian female player, says that she has broken no rules by wearing the logo of the sanctioned Russian oil and gas company, Tatneft, on her outfit and she will remove the logo in order to compete at Wimbledon this year.
On Monday Kudermetova saved two match points as she defeated the Russian No 1, Daria Kasatkina, 7-5, 1-6, 7-6(2) to reach the quarter-finals of the Madrid Open. Afterwards, Kudermetova said she intends to play at Wimbledon and she has signed the All England Club’s declaration of neutrality.
Kudermetova is endorsed by Tatneft and she has worn an advertisement patch of the company on her shirt since 2021. Tatneft has been sanctioned by the EU for its role in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with the company providing the Russian army with tyres.
During the Stuttgart Open last month, the WTA stated that it does not regulate the sponsorships Russian players advertise. However, by signing the All England Club’s declaration of neutrality, Russian players and support staff must agree to compete as neutral athletes, that they will not express support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and that they will not receive funding from the Russian government or companies affiliated to the government during their time in the UK.
“I think for Wimbledon, it’s not allowed to play with the badge from Russia, I know that,” she said. “For the moment I don’t break rule because I think the interview came today that we’re allowed or not allowed to use that. But for the moment I’m not breaking the rule, if something changes I will do something.”
Asked if she is concerned about being affiliated with Tatneft, Kudermetova said she has broken no rules.
“For the moment, I don’t break a rule. For Wimbledon, yes I know we’re not allowed to wear the badge from our country but, I mean, I agree with that. For the moment I can wear that badge and I did it,” she said.
Meanwhile, the 16-year-old Mirra Andreeva’s breakout run at the Madrid Open came to an end as she was outclassed by Aryna Sabalenka, the second seed, 6-3, 6-1 in the fourth round. In the men’s draw, Daniil Medvedev edged out Alexander Shevchenko 4-6, 6-1, 7-5 to reach the fourth round. Cameron Norrie, Britain’s last player standing in either singles draw, was upset 2-6, 7-6 (2), 7-6(2) by China’s Zhizhen Zhang.