Norwegian tennis player forced to apologize for performing with a Russian woman at Wimbledon

Norwegian tennis player Akeri forced to apologize for speaking with a Russian woman at Wimbledon

Norwegian tennis player Ulrikke Eikeri has been forced to apologize for her participation in a pair with Russian athlete Alexandra Panova at Wimbledon 2023. This is reported by SVT, quoting her words.

“I’m sorry. I should have thought about this earlier, but, unfortunately, I didn’t,” Akery said in response to criticism addressed to her. She expressed regret about her decision. In the British doubles tournament, Akery and Panova reached the second round.

On March 31, the UK Lawn Tennis Association, which organizes Wimbledon, allowed Russian and Belarusian tennis players to participate in the 2023 tournament, subject to the signing of a “declaration of neutrality”. Later, information appeared that the athletes agreed to this requirement.

Russian tennis players continue to play in tournaments under the auspices of the WTA and ATP in a neutral status.