The Womens Tennis Association and Martina Navratilova have lashed back at comments from Ukranian Top 50 player Sergiy Stakhovsky after he asserted that “every other player is a lesbian” in the world of women’s tennis.
In an interview with Ukranian sports website, xsport.ua, Stakhovsky was questioned about the presence of “sexual minorities” in tennis. Stakhovsky insisted there were no gay men in professional tennis.
According to translations from letsecondserve.com, Stakhovsky told xport, “On the ATP, we have a normal atmosphere… I won’t sacrifice my hand for the whole tour and the new guys, who are just joining, but in the backbone of the top-100 there are definitely no gays.”
Out tennis star Martina Navratilova made contrasting comments earlier this year. “On the tennis court, I would certainly like to see more players come out. I can’t believe that there has never been a male player that has taken that step,” Navratilova told press in March.
“With each passing celebrity coming out or athlete, it becomes less of a big deal and that’s eventually what we want it to be, for it not just to matter.”
Xport also asked Stakhovsky what he thought of Navratilova’s sentiment.
“She has no clue at all what men’s tennis is,” he responded.
“On the WTA Tour, almost every other player is a lesbian. Can you imagine – half of them. So I for sure won’t send my daughter to play tennis.”
The Women’s Tennis Association Tour have admonished Stakhovsky’s comments in a statement from chairman and CEO, Stacey Allastar.
“It’s sad to think in this day and age there are people who are narrow minded and speak derisively about women based on sexual orientation.”
“It’s a sad reflection of old thinking and I’m proud of all our WTA players who are forward thinking, treat everyone equal and reflect life in the 21st century.”
Stakhovsky was eliminated from this year’s Wimbledon tourney in the first round, losing to 18-year-old Bosnian newcomer, Borna Coric.
OIP Staff
