Lesia Tsurenko Sues WTA and Former CEO

Ukrainian tennis player Lesia Tsurenko has filed a lawsuit against the WTA and its former CEO Steve Simon, alleging moral abuse, breach of contract, and negligence, which she claims resulted in panic attacks and harmed her career after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Tsurenko alleges the WTA failed to support her and did not fulfill promises to ban Russian and Belarusian players who publicly supported the war, leading to emotional distress and alienation. She claims internal efforts for justice were ignored, prompting her to seek legal recourse. The WTA, through legal representation, has moved to dismiss the case as legally unfounded, while maintaining public support for Ukraine. Tsurenko is also challenging WTA by-laws that require players to waive legal claims against the organization and is requesting a jury trial. The case underscores ongoing tensions in professional tennis over responses to the war and treatment of Ukrainian athletes.