The WTA highlighted its position on opposing the Russian invasion and maintaining support for Ukrainian athletes.
“From the beginning, the WTA has condemned Russia's war against Ukraine and the Russian government's actions against the Ukrainian people have been firm and clear,” the association said.
“According to our position, the WTA has taken many steps to assist our Ukrainian players who face huge challenges among professional athletes.
“The WTA is equally clear that it is based on the principles of equality and non-discrimination, with its rules providing that competition is open to all female players who do not discriminate based on their own merits.
“Aligning with these principles and in common with other tennis organizations, the WTA has taken a position that individual athletes should not be punished for their government actions.”
It added: “While the WTA expresses its sympathy for the major challenges faced by Ms. Tsurenko and our other Ukrainian athletes, we are disappointed that she decided to conduct a lawsuit in order to seek responsibility for the WTA’s suffering.
“At any time the WTA and its management have taken appropriate action in accordance with our rules and we are confident that we will prevail in this lawsuit.”
