During a Round of 32 match at the ATX Open, the Russian flag momentarily displayed next to player Oksana Selekhmeteva's name on the scoreboard, prompting online debate. The flag vanished quickly, amid ongoing policies barring such displays since 2022. This incident echoes a prior administrative error involving another Russian player.
The ATX Open match on February 23, 2026, featured American Alycia Parks against Russian Oksana Selekhmeteva on Centre Court. As Parks lost the first set 4-6, the scoreboard briefly showed the Russian flag beside Selekhmeteva's name. Fans quickly noticed, with one X user posting, “WTA is bringing back the Russian flag,” accompanied by a screenshot. The display lasted only seconds before disappearing. After Selekhmeteva's 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 victory, the final scoreboard omitted the flag, as confirmed by another user sharing a post-match image.
This event revives scrutiny of tennis policies established in 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The international governing bodies of tennis issued a joint statement: “The international governing bodies of tennis stand united in our condemnation of Russia’s action.” Russian and Belarusian players have competed as neutrals, without national flags or names, while tournaments in those countries were canceled and federations suspended by the ITF. The WTA and ATP also halted a planned Moscow event.
The incident parallels a 2025 blunder at the Abu Dhabi Open, where Daria Kasatkina appeared listed as representing Spain during the draw. Organizers apologized: “We sincerely apologize for the error made by one of our suppliers during the live draw, whereby an incorrect nationality was shown alongside the name of Daria Kasatkina. This was entirely an administrative mistake and has now been corrected.” Kasatkina's team told the BBC: “It is incorrect and we can categorically deny she is switching to Spain. This carries some strong implications for Daria if the Russian authorities feel she is trying to switch — which she is not.” Kasatkina, who lives in Dubai and trains in Spain, has publicly opposed the war and not returned to Russia in over two years.
Such errors highlight challenges in enforcing neutral athlete protocols amid geopolitical tensions.
