The Russian Embassy in the United States has submitted a letter of protest to the US state department after Svetlana Kuznetsova was forced to withdraw from the Washington Open.
Kuznetsova was set to defend her title at the tournament next week, but isn’t allowed to enter the country because she is yet to receive her visa. Even though she applied for one back in February and there is yet to be any explanation as to why it is taking so long. Kuznetsova is a former US Open champion and has won a total of six WTA titles in America so far in her career.
“Unfortunately I had to pull out of Washington due to my problems with US visa.” The former top 10 player wrote on Instagram.
“Wanted to apologize to all my fans who were waiting for me there. Never had issues like this in my life, hopefully one day I can finally get a visa and play at list [sic] some events of the US swing!”
In a statement issued to the Tass News Agency, the Russian embassy said Kuznetsova is a victim of the ‘dragged-out administrative procedures’ to acquire a US visa.’ In recent months there has been heightened political tensions between the two countries. Resulting in more scrutiny in the visa application process.
“We have filed a note of protest with the Department of State demanding to stop a discriminatory policy regarding an issuance of visas for Russian participants of international sports tournaments,” the statement reads.
Meanwhile, the Russian diplomatic mission has accused America of deliberately blocking their athletes from entering the country.
“We resent the continuous practice of obstructing the participation of our athletes in major sports tournaments, which are held on the territory of the United States.” They said.
In a separate report published by Sputnik News, officials said they are unable to discuss individual visa applications in accordance with US law. This is the first year Kuznetsova has ever encountered such problems.
“I have always applied for a visa in Moscow and had no problems. Since when I was 16 years old, I have always participated in the tournaments on the US soil. I would not like to give any interpretations. I believe that the sports are far from politics,” She said.
The WTA and USTA are both aware of the current situation.
