By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Thursday, April 17, 2025
Photo credit: @BrisbaneTennis
Lesia Tsurenko is making headlines as she gears up to take her fight to the courtroom.
The skilled 35-year-old player from Ukraine has initiated legal proceedings against the WTA Tour, accusing its former CEO of “moral abuse.”
In a heartfelt message shared on social media, Tsurenko disclosed the psychological toll this situation has taken on her, detailing experiences of “pain, fear, panic attacks, humiliation, and harassment of my team,” which she attributes to a campaign aimed at silencing her.
Tsurenko has not shied away from criticizing Tour officials about the presence of Russian and Belarusian players in light of Russia’s illegitimate invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
“I never imagined in my darkest moments that the professional circuit, which I cherished as my sanctuary, would transform into a daunting and unwelcoming environment, where the CEO would intentionally inflict moral damage upon me, culminating in severe panic attacks and obstructing my ability to perform,” she expressed.
— Lesia Tsurenko (@LTsurenko) April 16, 2025
In March 2023, Tsurenko captured international attention when she withdrew from a crucial third-round match against Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka at Indian Wells.
The day following her withdrawal, she revealed that a discussion with then-WTA CEO Steve Simon regarding the participation of Russian and Belarusian players had triggered a panic attack.
“A few days prior, my conversation with Steve Simon left me completely numb. He said he personally opposes the war, but if players from these nations support it, that is solely their perspective and shouldn’t disturb me,” Tsurenko recalled.
Lesia Tsurenko opened up about feeling mentally overwhelmed following her shocking dialogue with Steve Simon: “It was a panic attack, I found it hard to breathe.” pic.twitter.com/hZZJcNtWOA
— Ukrainian Tennis • BTU (@ukrtennis_eng) March 13, 2023
“The conversation left me utterly stunned,” she stated. “I struggled to process everything, but ultimately, it led to my mental breakdown.”
Now ranked No. 239, she has not participated in any professional matches since November. Over her career, Tsurenko has clinched four singles titles and peaked at a career-high No. 23 in February 2019.
In response to Tsurenko’s legal claims, the WTA issued a statement expressing “deep sympathy” for her and other Ukrainian athletes grappling with the emotional scars of the ongoing conflict, while insisting that their officials acted within the mandates of their policies.
“We are disheartened by her decision to pursue litigation against the WTA regarding her distress,” stated the WTA. “Our management has consistently conducted itself in alignment with our regulations, and we are confident in our position as we face this legal challenge.”
Current WTA CEO Portia Archer, who took over in August 2024 and was not present during Tsurenko’s conversation with Simon, noted that the organization remains open to dialogue.
Despite her attempts to raise her concerns, Tsurenko claims she encountered indifference from officials, expressing, “I sought justice within the WTA and was met with apathy, which led to a prolonged sense of moral degradation.”
