Sports
Australian Tennis Star Defies Advice, Plays in Russia-Backed Event
MELBOURNE, Australia — Australian tennis player Thanasi Kokkinakis defied advice from Tennis Australia by participating in a Russian exhibition tournament sponsored by state-owned energy giant Gazprom, which is under international sanctions due to Russia‘s invasion of Ukraine. The event, held in St. Petersburg from Nov. 29 to Dec. 1, 2024, has drawn criticism from Ukrainian officials and raised questions about compliance with Australian sanctions laws.
Kokkinakis, ranked No. 71 in the world, was one of seven international players at the North Palmyra Trophies event, which also featured Russian and Kazakh athletes. Gazprom, the tournament’s major sponsor, has been sanctioned by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) since April 2022. Tennis Australia confirmed it had advised players against competing in Russia, citing federal government policy.
“We advise athletes against competing in Russia and are in ongoing discussions with DFAT to provide education to players about the potential ramifications for doing business in this area,” Tennis Australia said in a statement. The organization did not specifically name Kokkinakis but emphasized its compliance with government recommendations.
Ukraine’s ambassador to Australia, Vasyl Myroshnychenko, condemned Kokkinakis’s participation, stating, “It’s very disappointing to see an Australian tennis player going to Russia for money at a tournament sponsored by a state-owned enterprise whose proceeds go towards the production of weapons for the war against Ukraine.” Myroshnychenko added that Russia uses such events for domestic propaganda, portraying itself as not isolated internationally.
DFAT confirmed that Australian sanctions laws apply extraterritorially but did not comment on whether Kokkinakis violated them. Anton Moiseienko, a sanctions expert at the Australian National University, noted that a violation would depend on factors such as the source of payment and the player’s awareness of sanctions. A Tennis Australia source said Kokkinakis’s appearance fee did not come from Russia.
Kokkinakis, who earned $200,000 for reaching the second round of the Australian Open, defended his decision, stating, “Sometimes you have to weigh up your options as far as trying to do what’s best for your career, best for the ranking.” He added that exhibition events can be more lucrative than ATP tournaments.
The exhibition was directed by Alexander Ivanovich Medvedev, a former Gazprom executive. Kokkinakis, who won the 2022 Australian Open doubles title with Nick Kyrgios, played singles and doubles matches in St. Petersburg. The ATP, which governs men’s professional tennis, does not restrict players from participating in off-season exhibitions, as they are independent contractors.
Russia has been largely excluded from international sports since its invasion of Ukraine, with athletes competing as neutrals in events like the Australian Open. Australians are advised not to travel to Russia due to risks of arbitrary arrest, but there is no outright ban.
Kokkinakis’s participation highlights the complex decisions athletes face amid geopolitical tensions and financial incentives. His actions have sparked debate about the role of sports in international relations and the responsibilities of athletes in adhering to government advisories.