In the aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Ukrainian tennis sensation Elina Svitolina will avoid playing Russian or Belarusian players until tennis' governing organisations allow them to compete as neutral athletes. The world number 15 stated that she will donate her entire reward prize to the Ukrainian military and humanitarian initiatives. However, In the first round of the Monterrey Open, she has been drawn with Anastasia Potapova of Russia.

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Elina Svitolina expressed via Twitter that she will not compete in that match or any others involving players from Russia or Belarus. In her words, "I believe the current situation requires a clear position from our organisations: ATP, WTA and ITF. As such, we Ukrainian players requested ATP, WTA and ITF to follow the recommendations of the IOC to accept Russian or Belarusian nationals only as neutral athletes. Without displaying any national symbols, colours, flags or anthems."

"Accordingly, I want to announce that I will not play tomorrow in Monterrey. Nor any other match against Russian or Belarusian tennis players. Until our organisations take this necessary decision," the world No. 15 added.

However, she praised Russian players like Daniil Medvedev, Andrey Rublev, and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova for speaking out against the war.

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"I do not blame any of the Russian athletes. They are not responsible for the invasion of our motherland. Moreover, I wish to pay tribute to all the players, especially Russians and Belarusians, who bravely stated their position against the war. Their support is essential," She concluded.

The French Open 2023 has started on 28 May and this time the final match of the men's event will be played on 11 June. This time defending champion Rafael Nadal is not participating in the tournament due to a hip injury. After making his debut in this tournament in the year 2005, this is the first time that Rafael Nadal is not participating.

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This time Serbia's star tennis player Novak Djokovic is being considered as a strong contender for the title due to Rafael Nadal not playing. Apart from this, World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz is also in the race to win the French Open 2023 title. Meanwhile, World No. 2 Daniil Medvedev, who was one of the main contenders for the title, is out after losing 5 sets to Brazilian player Thiago Seyboth Wild.

French Open 2023 Quarterfinals Schedule:

Men's Singles:

1st Quarter-final - Novak Djokovic vs Karen Khachanov, June 6, 2023, 5:15 PM IST

2nd Quarter-final - Carlos Alcaraz vs Stefanos Tsitsipas, June 6, 2023, 11:45 PM IST

3rd Quarter-final - Holger Rune vs Casper Ruud, June 7, 2023, 3:30 PM IST

4th Quarter-final - Alexander Zverev vs Tomás Martín Etcheverry, June 7, 2023, 3:30 PM IST

Also Read: Most French Open titles (Men)

Women's Singles:

1st Quarter-final - Karolína Muchová vs Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, June 6, 2023, 2:30 PM IST

2nd Quarter-final - Aryna Sabalenka vs Elina Svitolina, June 6, 2023, 4:00 PM IST

3rd Quarter-final - Iga Świątek vs Coco Gauff, June 7, 2023, 3:30 PM IST

4th Quarter-final - Ons Jabeur vs Beatriz Haddad Maia, June 7, 2023, 3:30 PM IST

Also Read: Most French Open Titles (Women)

How can you watch the French Open 2023 quarter-final matches in India?

The French Open 2023 quarter-final matches will be broadcast live in India on Sony Sports Ten 5 and Sony Sports Ten 2 (English), Sony Sports Ten 3 (Hindi), and Sony Sports Ten 4 (Tamil and Telugu).

How to watch live streaming of the matches in India?

The quarter-final matches of the French Open 2023 will be streamed live in India on the Sony Liv app. To see this, users will have to take a subscription of Rs 999.