Ukrainian tennis star Lesia Tsurenko has slammed WTA CEO Steve Simon and the WTA itself over an alleged cover-up of his panic attack episode during last March's BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells. It can be remembered that Tsurenko withdraw from her scheduled match against Aryna Sabalenka, who is from Belarus, a supporter of Russia's war against Ukraine.

Via BTU:

“Then I had a panic attack, which significantly affected my mental and physical health and led to my withdrawal from the tournament in Indian Wells,” recalls Tsurenko. – “After my non-public complaint, not a single WTA official responded in any way. After my public statement, no WTA official, including Lindsay Brandon (Director of Safeguarding), Bob Campbell (Senior Director, Security), David Palanzo (Senior Vice President, Legal & Business Affairs), contacted me to clarify the circumstances and the subject of my statement.

Lesia Tsurenko said that the panic attack was triggered following a conversation with Simon about Russian and Belarusian players.  Simon allegedly told Tsurenko that the political views of players are their own and should not be a ground for punishment

Article Continues Below
More Tennis News
Aryna Sabalenka returns a shot during the womenÕs singles final against Coco Gauff of the United States on day 14 at Roland Garros Stadium.
Berlin Open news: World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka bows out of 2nd-straight tournament with semifinal lossSteve Silverman ·
Coco Gauff of the United States celebrates winning the womenís singles final against Aryna Sabalenka on day 14 at Roland Garros Stadium.
Coco Gauff breaks silence on ‘tough’ 1st loss after French Open winJess Koffie ·
Mar 18, 2025; Miami, FL, USA; Sofia Kenin (USA) waves to the crowd after her match against Petra Kvitova (CZE)(not pictured) on day one of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Two-time Wimbledon champ announces retirementZachary Draves ·
Coco Gauff of the United States poses with Aryna Sabalenka after their match on day 14 at Roland Garros Stadium.
Aryna Sabalenka apologizes to Coco Gauff after ‘unprofessional’ commentsRishav Bhat ·
Nike Air Tech Challenge II release
Nike Air Tech Challenge II returning June 2025Dominik Zawartko ·
Professional tennis player Coco Gauff (l) and journalist Arielle Chambers (r) prior to the game between the Chicago Sky and the New York Liberty at Barclays Center.
Coco Gauff’s Liberty locker room turn-up has fans going wildJess Koffie ·

Adding to Tsurenko's resentment towards Simon and the WTA is the investigation launched by the organization on his coach, Mykyta Vlasov.

“I am shocked,” Tsurenko stated, “I have already contacted my lawyers to discuss further actions.”

Ranked 46th in the world, Lesia Tsurenko has since been able to compete in tournaments, most recently at the Rothesay Classic Birmingham in Great Britain. She also played at the 2023 French Open, reaching the fourth round where she lost to Iga Swiatek.