Dutch Tennis Star Faces Diplomatic Pressure Over Russian Tournament
World No25 Tallon Griekspoor has found himself at the centre of an international diplomatic row after the Netherlands' Minister for Foreign Affairs publicly urged him to withdraw from competing in a Russian exhibition tournament funded by state-owned energy giant Gazprom. The controversial event, scheduled for this weekend in St Petersburg, has drawn criticism due to Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
The Tournament and Its Controversial Backing
The North Palmyra Trophies exhibition has been held in St Petersburg since 2022, when Russia's invasion of Ukraine led to the removal of all ATP and WTA tournaments from the country. What makes this event particularly contentious is its primary funding source: Gazprom, the state-owned energy corporation with deep ties to Vladimir Putin's government.
Griekspoor represents a unique case among the tournament's participants. The Dutch star is the only competing player who isn't either Russian or Russian-born with sporting allegiance to a former Soviet republic, unlike other participants such as Kazakhstan's Alexander Bublik and Yulia Putinseva.
The world No25's involvement appears connected to his relationship with fellow tennis professional Anastasia Potapova, who has previously competed in the exhibition. The couple recently shared a picture of themselves flying to St Petersburg on the tournament's Telegram channel, following their romantic post-season holiday in the Maldives.
Official Response and Moral Dilemma
Just one day before the tournament's scheduled start, Dutch Minister for Foreign Affairs David van Weel made a public plea for Griekspoor to reconsider his participation. "It's not forbidden to participate in tournaments in Russia, but I do urge him not to do so," Van Weel stated, adding the significant caveat: "Consider the moral aspects."
The exhibition status of the North Palmyra Trophies creates a legal grey area. While Russian players must compete under neutral flags on the official ATP and WTA tours, there are no specific rules preventing players from participating in exhibitions organised by state-owned Russian entities.
Griekspoor reportedly contacted the Dutch Tennis Association to confirm his participation in the tournament draw. Technical director Jacco Eltingh acknowledged the association's limited influence, stating: "The tennis association itself does not send players or teams to Russia and follows the policy of the NOC and international tennis organisations. But a top tennis player is ultimately an independent entity that can make choices."
Broader Implications and Previous Precedents
The tournament has attracted several high-profile Russian players, including former US Open champion Daniil Medvedev, along with top 20 competitors Karen Khachanov, Diana Schnaider, and Veronika Kudermetova.
This isn't the first time the exhibition has featured international players. Previous editions saw participation from France's Adrian Mannarino and Spanish star Roberto Bautista Agut. However, the reputational cost of competing in Russia has proven too high for some athletes, with Jasmine Paolini withdrawing from the 2023 lineup amid significant backlash.
Mannarino previously defended his participation, stating in January 2024: "I'm a professional tennis player. I'm not into politics or anything. I just went there. I did my job. I'm not supporting anything."
Ukrainian players on the tour see the matter differently. Lesia Tsurenko argued in 2023 that competing in the tournament equates to supporting the war effort, saying: "I tried to explain to them what they would be involved in. Last year, I managed to convince one player not to go to this shameful tournament."
The controversy extends beyond mere participation, as Gazprom's financial contributions through taxes directly fund Russia's military operations. The situation highlights the complex intersection of sports, politics, and personal relationships in professional tennis during times of international conflict.
