During the first set of a qualifying match between Anna Kalinskaya and Anastasia Potapova, both Russians, on Sunday in Cincinnati, one of the players stopped and complained to umpire Morgane Lane. [Set, hut, hike! Create or join a fantasy football league now!] The issue, according to Ben Rothenberg of Racquet Magazine, had to do with a spectator watching right behind them. The fan, Lola, was apparently just sitting quietly watching the match with the Ukrainian flag around her shoulders and a Ukrainian wreath of flowers. Lane then got off the chair and confronted Lola, saying her actions were “not good”. Lola, according to Rothenberg, responded with “[it’s] it’s not nice to invade a country” — clearly referring to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which has been ongoing for nearly six months. The incident escalated from there and Lola then left the match. Security later found her and said her flag was larger than the allowed 18×18 inches — a policy that is rarely, if ever, enforced. Lola was escorted by security to the parking lot and told she had to leave it there. The tournament cited the flag size rule when asked for comment. The WTA has not responded to Rothenberg. Kalinskaya beat Potapova in straight sets 7-5, 6-1. It is unclear which player complained first and how the other responded. Sunday’s incident is the latest related to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in recent months. Wimbledon organizers banned players from Russia and Belarus from their tournament earlier this year, but the WTA and ATP subsequently withheld points from the event in response. Russian players on both tours have been allowed to play, but have done so under a neutral flag. The Western & Southern Open runs through August 21. A Russian player stopped her match on Sunday to complain about a fan who was reportedly sitting quietly with a Ukrainian flag draped over her shoulders. (Adam Lacy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
