Russian tennis starlet Tatiana Prozorova caused a storm on social media ahead of the US Open – when she liked a number of videos appearing to show Russian propaganda.
Prozorova is set to compete at her first US Open, but there have been calls to ban her from the tournament following her activity online.
One video, like by the 19-year-old, showed Vladimir Putin changing the American flag to a Russian one, while making faces. And another appeared to show the US military being mocked for their identity and gender or orientation.
A number of videos also appeared to glorify Putin as the Russian war with Ukraine rolls on – following Russia's invasion in February 2022.
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The scandal comes after Russian prodigy Mirra Andreeva was called out for her social media activity by Ukrainian player Dayana Yastremska.
Yastremska accused Andreeva of liking posts that could be perceived as Russian propaganda. On her Instagram, she said: "I wanted to post about a recent situation in Switzerland which I find hardly acceptable.
"The tennis instances are unfortunately remaining indifferent to the atrocities committed in Ukraine.
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"Recently, I asked that sanctions be taken against Mirra Andreeva for having liked social media posts which clearly concerned the atrocities committed to Ukrainians and the WTA simply indicated it would not intervene.
"l am upset but remain committed to fight for my country, my family and my friends in Ukraine."
Russian players had been banned from Wimbledon, but they were allowed to play under a neutral flag this year.
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