Oliynikova Criticized the WTA for Banning a Charity Auction for the Ukrainian Armed Forces
Ukrainian tennis player Oleksandra Oliynikova stated that the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) had prohibited her from holding a charity auction during the WTA 1000 tournament in Toronto, Canada, the proceeds of which were intended to support the Ukrainian military.
According to Oliynikova, the auction was intended to help raise funds for equipment for the 413th Separate Unmanned Systems Regiment “Raid” of the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ Unmanned Systems Forces. The winners were to receive a “Certificate of Honorary Benefactor” and a personal invitation from the tennis player to attend the tournament as her guests.
However, the WTA banned the initiative, citing rules that prohibit the “sale of accreditations.” Oliynikova emphasized that the subject of the auction was specifically the charitable certificate, and the invitations to the tournament were intended solely as a token of gratitude to the donors.
The tennis player sharply criticized the association’s decision, stating that the WTA allows athletes from Russia—who, she said, support the Russian government—to participate, while simultaneously blocking charitable initiatives in support of Ukraine.
“We constantly see invited philanthropists at WTA tournaments handing out vitamins to pregnant women in Africa. But people who are helping to save the lives of Ukrainians are apparently unwelcome to the WTA. Players who actively support the Russian government and individuals who support the aggression against Ukraine are participating in this tournament. But for some reason, the WTA doesn’t see any problem with this and calmly provides such individuals with a platform to gain publicity and make money,” Oliynikova stated.
In closing, the athlete addressed the organization’s leadership with a sarcastic comment: “WTA, I sincerely apologize that my unwillingness to quietly fade away is causing you such problems.”
Oliinykova also expressed hope that the Ukrainian community in Canada and fans will properly assess the WTA’s decision.
The athlete shared this on her Instagram page.
As a reminder, tennis player Oliynikova called for allowing the TCC to use weapons.
Ukrainian divers Ksenia Baylo and Sofia Vystavkina won bronze medals at the 2026 European Aquatics Championships, which are being held in Paris. The decisive moment came in the final round, where the Ukrainian duo performed a dive that received the highest score among all competitors.
