'Can't go back': Daria Saville's scary admission about Russia
Aussie tennis star Daria Saville, born in Moscow, has admitted she most likely won't be returning to Russia after her comments about the invasion of Ukraine.
Saville, who reached the second round of the French Open, has opened up about her thoughts on Wimbledon's ban regarding Russian and Belarusian athletes.
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The decision from the All England Club to ban Russian and Belarusian players has divided the tennis world.
Australian John Millman was the latest player to blast the ban against the players.
However, the ATP and WTA's decision to strip Wimbledon from handing out ranking points has also caused backlash.
After her First Round match, Saville was asked if she had any sympathy for the Russians banned from the world's biggest tournament.
She sounded pained as she replied: "Yes and no ... it's yeah, it's tough, it's hard for me also to comment."
"Already I can't really go back to Russia now ...
"I definitely do support the Ukrainian players ... imagine not having a home."
Daria Saville divided over Wimbledon ban
Saville admitted the Wimbledon ban is a dividing point, which has seen her feel sorry for some of her friends that won't be able to play SW19.
"It's a grey area because I have way too many friends in Russia," said Saville, who became an Australian citizen in 2015.
"Imagine (Daria) Kasatkina, one of my best friends. I want her to play, but they also understand the decision too."
The World No.127 said she is tossing up whether to qualify for Wimbledon, considering ranking points have now been stripped from the grand slam, or whether she will play somewhere else.
But, the allure of the prize money appears to be a talking point.
"It's a bit tricky with points. I have to make a decision whether it's worth it to play (Wimbledon) qualifying or maybe I play the week before. I'm still weighing it up," she said.
"The prize money at Wimbledon is good, That's why I'd like to qualify, but I'll make that decision later.
"I mean, it's tough. I think Wimbledon's still going to be Wimbledon. Some players say it's an exhibition - I don't think it's ever going to be an exhibition.
"Whoever wins Wimbledon is still going to be a Wimbledon champion.
"It's tricky but there's some decisions I'm going to have to take. Of course, the majority of people would have preferred to play with points and I kind of feel bad for Ukrainian girls and guys because you read the Russian news and ...."
Saville will play Petra Kvitova in the Second Round of Roland Garros.
with AAP
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