DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) – Tennis participant Andrey Rublev wrote “No to conflict please” on a TV digicam moments after qualifying for the ultimate in Dubai on Friday, a sentiment echoed simply hours later by NHL star and fellow Russian Alex. Ovechkin in america
Seventh seed Rublev had simply crushed Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz 3-6, 7-5, 7-6 (5) within the semi-finals when he wrote his message on digicam, a standard follow after matches.
Russian forces pushed into the Ukrainian capital on Friday in an invasion that has fueled fears of a wider conflict in Europe and sparked world efforts to cease Russia. Rublev was not requested concerning the message throughout his interview in courtroom instantly after the match.
Ovechkin, probably the most distinguished Russian athletes in america, made a plea for peace whereas talking with reporters after coaching in Philadelphia. The Russian nationwide stated he had household and “a whole lot of buddies in Russia and Ukraine” and hoped the assault would finish quickly.
“Please, no extra conflict,” Ovechkin stated on Friday. “It doesn’t matter who’s within the conflict, Russia, Ukraine, completely different international locations. I feel we dwell in a world the place we must always dwell in peace.”
Ovechkin was a staunch supporter of Russian President Vladimir Putin. In 2017, Ovechkin launched “Putin’s Staff” which he stated had nothing to do with the elections the next yr, however fairly a present of assist for his nation. Requested Friday about his relationship with Putin, the NHL star stated, “He is my boss, however I am not into politics. I am an athlete.”
Russian tennis participant Daniil Medvedev spoke on Thursday on the Mexico Open on waking as much as the information that his nation had invaded Ukraine.
“Watching the information from residence, getting up right here in Mexico, it wasn’t simple,” stated Medvedev, who will turn into the primary participant when the rankings are introduced subsequent week.
“By being a tennis participant, I need to promote peace around the globe,” Medvedev continued. “We play in many alternative international locations. It’s not simple to listen to all this information. I’m all for peace.”
Rublev will meet Czech Jiri Vesely for the primary time within the Dubai remaining on Saturday.
Vesely, who ousted Novak Djokovic within the quarter-finals, adopted up with one other top-20 win when he beat Denis Shapovalov 6-7 (7), 7-6 (2), 7-6 (3) in over three hours.
“I had a dream operating right here,” Wesley stated.
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