Former world No. 2 Russian Vera Zvonareva was blocked at Warsaw’s airport from entering Poland for a WTA event, for unknown security and [public safety reasons.
The 38-year-old with 14 career titles currently ranks 655th and was presumably trying to enter Poland to play weekend qualifying rounds.
But she was prevented from entering the country at the border; Poland has been a strong supporter of the neighboring Ukraine ever since Russia invaded in February, 2022.
Zvonareva was coming from Serbia, remained in the transit area and later flew out to Montenegro officials confirmed. She is reportedly on a list of undesirables not allowed to enter Poland.
.”The Border Guard prevented a Russian tennis player from entering Poland. Vera Zvonareva, using a visa issued by France, tried to get into our country on a flight from Belgrade to Warsaw,” Polish officials said in a statement.
The WTA put out a generic statement supporting the Russian player, “Vera has departed Poland and we will be evaluating the issue further with the event.”
Poland normally restricts entry of supporters of Russia or ally Belarus.
