Tennis Australia has recently issued a strong warning to its players, urging them not to participate in events held in Russia. This follows reports that Thanasi Kokkinakis, a member of the Australian Davis Cup team, competed in an exhibition tournament in St. Petersburg in late 2023. The event, reportedly sponsored by a state-owned Russian company, has raised concerns due to its ties to a country facing international sanctions.
Kokkinakis Played in Russia Despite Warnings
The Sydney Morning Herald revealed that Kokkinakis participated in the St. Petersburg exhibition tournament held between November 29 and December 1, 2023. This event was reportedly backed by Gazprom, a Russian gas and oil giant. Gazprom has been under financial sanctions from the Australian government since April 2022. These sanctions were imposed shortly after Russia began its invasion of Ukraine, reflecting Australia’s condemnation of the war.
According to Tennis Australia, the organization had previously advised players not to compete in Russia. In a statement, Tennis Australia confirmed:
“For several years, Tennis Australia has … abided by federal government policy and recommendations in regard to Russia. This support and compliance continue.”
The governing body also emphasized its commitment to educating players about the risks and consequences of associating with entities linked to Russia.
Government Sanctions and Tennis Rules
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has imposed strict sanctions on Russian companies like Gazprom since 2022. These sanctions aim to limit Russia’s ability to fund its ongoing war in Ukraine. Tennis Australia, as an organization, has adhered to these policies by discouraging players from participating in Russian-sponsored events.
Australia Charges Soldier and Husband with Attempting to Spy for Russia
Professional tennis players from Russia and Belarus have also faced restrictions due to the ongoing conflict. In 2022, Wimbledon banned these athletes entirely. However, the ban was lifted in 2023, allowing players from these nations to compete under neutral flags. They are not allowed to represent their countries in official tournaments, including the ATP, WTA, and Grand Slam events.
Despite these restrictions, exhibition tournaments like the one in St. Petersburg exist outside the control of international tennis bodies. This makes it challenging to enforce compliance, especially when individual players choose to compete independently.
The “Special Ks” and Recent Developments
Thanasi Kokkinakis gained global attention as part of the “Special Ks” duo with Nick Kyrgios. The pair achieved fame by winning the Australian Open doubles title in 2022. However, their recent performance at the 2024 Australian Open was cut short due to injuries. They retired during the second set of their first-round match.
The controversy surrounding Kokkinakis’ participation in the St. Petersburg event has placed Tennis Australia in a difficult position. While the organization has no direct authority to ban players from competing in specific events, it continues to urge them to follow government advice.
Tennis Australia reiterated that it remains in active discussions with DFAT to ensure players understand the potential consequences of participating in activities linked to Russia. The statement reflects the organization’s ongoing efforts to align with Australian government policies while protecting its athletes from potential fallout.
The incident highlights the challenges facing global sports organizations as they navigate the intersection of politics, international relations, and player autonomy.
