In an unexpected twist, Ukrainian tennis player Lesia Tsurenko has made a blistering statement against former Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) CEO Steve Simon. In just five words, Tsurenko dropped a bombshell that rocked the world of professional tennis: “The WTA is a terrible organization.” These blunt words have left the sports community in shock, and the controversy continues to grow as more details are revealed.

Tsurenko, known for her strong character on and off the court, has not hesitated to point out what she considers a lack of support for players and a lack of fairness in the management of the WTA during Simon’s tenure. In a recent interview, the Ukrainian tennis player expressed her frustration with what she sees as the organization’s systematic neglect in defending players’ rights. “Steve Simon did not support women or defend their rights,” Tsurenko stated, making it clear that her outrage stems not only from personal issues, but from what she perceives as a pattern of institutionalized injustice.

The background to Tsurenko’s statement appears to be related to several incidents that have affected players within the WTA in recent years. From the lack of a robust response to issues of harassment and discrimination to insufficient measures to ensure fairness among players, Tsurenko maintains that Simon failed to act quickly or decisively enough to address these issues.

Tsurenko’s strongest criticism has been her assertion that, under Simon’s leadership, the WTA was not a place where women could truly feel protected or heard. According to Tsurenko, Simon allowed many of the players’ concerns to be overlooked and didn’t do enough to ensure the organization was a safe and fair space for them.

“Let’s eliminate this organization,” Tsurenko suggested, reflecting a sense of desperation in her call for radical change. In her view, the current WTA system has failed to adequately protect its members and has not made progress in the fight for gender equality in sport. Her harsh words reflect the growing frustration of many players who feel their voices have not been heard over the years.

Tsurenko’s statement has sparked enormous controversy, and many in the tennis community, both inside and outside the WTA, are reacting to these accusations. Some voices support Tsurenko, stating that she has been one of the few who has had the courage to speak out about these issues. However, others defend Steve Simon, pointing out that he has been a champion of women’s tennis and that many of the issues mentioned are complex and not the sole responsibility of one person.

As the reactions continue, it’s clear that Steve Simon’s legacy at the helm of the WTA will be marked by this harsh criticism. While his tenure marked progress in many aspects of women’s tennis, Tsurenko’s accusations reflect a deep divide that has been present in the sport for years: the struggle for equality, respect, and fairness within sports organizations.

The future of the WTA could depend on how the organization and its leaders respond to these accusations. For now, Lesia Tsurenko’s words resonate throughout the tennis community, and the conversation about WTA reform remains at the center of debate.