Professional tennis player Sergiy Stakhovsky has made some inflammatory comments about women's tennis and the lack of gay men on the men's tour. He told xsport.ua, which 9news in Australia translated:
"You see, on the ATP, we have a normal atmosphere," he said. "If there was anything, we'd know about it, because it's a very closed circle.In the backbone of the top 100 there are definitely no gays."
"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 WTA issued this statement in response:
"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."
The ATP also criticized the Ukranian tennis pro. From Tennis.com:
ATP executive chairman and president Chris Kermode, in a statement emailed by a spokesman, says Stakhovsky's ''alleged remarks are offensive, unacceptable, and have no place in our sport.'' Kermode adds the matter is being reviewed to determine any further action.
There has never been an out top-100 player on the ATP, though many women – including Martina Navratilova and Amelie Mauresmo – have been out at No. 1 for the women.
Stakhovsky has made it to the third round of Grand Slam events five times, and most recently lost in the first round of Wimbledon. He is currently ranked No. 49 in the world.
