Controversy erupts as Tallon Griekspoor snubs Dutch foreign minister's appeal to pull out of controversial Russia exhibition for 'moral' reasons

Tallon Griekspoor snubbed Dutch foreign minister David van Weel's appeal to pull out of a controversial Russian exhibition event called the North Palmyra Trophies. Russian tennis stars, including Daniil Medvedev and Karen Khachanov, will also play at the event.

The North Palmyra Trophies was launched in 2022 after Russia was barred by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) from hosting official tournaments because of the war in Ukraine. While Russian players remain eligible to compete on the ATP and WTA Tours, they must do so without their national flag and under neutral status.

In response, Russia introduced this unofficial offseason event in St. Petersburg with backing from energy company Gazprom. The tournament regularly features a mix of Russian players, international invitees, and retired stars, giving fans a platform to watch competitive tennis in the country.

This year, Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor was invited to play in St. Petersburg. Notably, he is rumored to be dating Russian WTA star Anastasia Potapova, who is also present at the event. Dutch Foreign Minister, however, advised against Griekspoor's participation.

"It is not forbidden to participate in tournaments in Russia, but I call on him not to do so where possible and to look at the moral aspects," said Van Weel on Thursday evening in the Ukraine debate in the House of Representatives (via NU.nl).

According to NU.nl, 29-year-old Griekspoor responded to the foreign minister's comments on X, writing:

"Don't they have anything better to do?"

However, the post was later deleted. It is being reported that the World No. 25 is already in Russia to play the North Palmyra Trophies event. He will play against Daniil Medvedev and team up with Alexander Bublik.

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Tallon Griekspoor is rumored to be dating Russia's Anastasia Potapova

Tallon Griekspoor at the Rolex Paris Masters 2025 - Source: Getty

Anastasia Potapova and Tallon Griekspoor are increasingly being tipped as one of tennis’s new couples. Potapova, who divorced fellow pro Alexander Shevchenko last year, was first spotted in Griekspoor’s box during his upset win over Alexander Zverev at the Indian Wells Masters in March.

That appearance sparked initial dating rumours. Later sightings, including at Vienna, further fueled the rumors. Most recently they were rumored to be on holiday together in the Maldives.

For Potapova, this comes after a turbulent personal period. She had described her 2024 divorce from Shevchenko as a “shockingly big decision.”

"I made some shockingly big decisions at the end of the year," she told Bolshe. "But like I mentioned, that’s life. Unfortunately, things like that happen and you have to accept it. Of course, I’m very disappointed it all went the way it did."

Griekspoor held a 30-25 record in 2025. The highlight of his season was an ATP 250 title in Mallorca. He also reached the semifinal in Dubai and a final in Marrakech.