Why Russia’s invasion of Ukraine hangs over tennis like no other sport

Tennis remains uniquely affected by Russia's war in Ukraine due to its individual match format and global calendar, which regularly forces Ukrainian and Russian players to compete against each other. Key flashpoints include Wimbledon's 2022 ban on Russian and Belarusian players, Daria Kasatkina's defection to Australia, and the 2026 French Open women's quarterfinals featuring two Ukrainians, three Russians, a Belarusian, and a Pole. The sport's structure means the geopolitical conflict is a constant, unavoidable presence rather than an occasional issue.