Ex-Ukrainian tennis star issues fiery statement after Russian player gets kicked out of fan

Dolgopolov claimed the tournament gave a 'fairy tale' excuse adding: "P.s- keep the flags in the policy requirement so they have no 'fairy tale' reason for you ask to leave". This isn't the first time the former pro has spoken out about tennis's response to the war in Ukraine.

After Wimbledon banned all Russian and Belarusian players from the tournament this year and had their ranking points stripped by the ATP and WTA as punishment, he lambasted the men's tour and said, "Everyone has to feel [the sacrifice] because everyone in Ukraine feels it.

"Our people, our children, are dying and you can't just close your eyes and be silent and pretend nothing is happening. Everyone must try to play their part to help and the ATP should have a stronger stance like many other sports The magnitude of what is happening here is not [reflected] by their actions. Their actions are weaker."

Express Sport has contacted the ATP, WTA and Western & Southern Open regarding Dolgopolov's statement.