Daniel Medvedev. Photo PAP / EPA / ERIK S. LESSER
The organizers of the event planned for June 27 – July 10 announced in an official announcement that Russian and Belarusian tennis players will not be allowed to participate in the Grand Slam Wimbledon. The resolution concerns the armed aggression of these countries against Ukraine.
“In conditions of such incomprehensible and unprecedented military aggression, it would be unacceptable for the Russian system to benefit from the participation of Russian and Belarusian tennis players in tournaments,” the tournament’s official website said in a statement.
Ian Hewitt, president of the entire England club, admitted that he regretted that the players had to bear the consequences of the actions of the leaders of the Russian system.
“We’ve thought carefully about alternative solutions, but given the prestige of the tournaments, the refusal to use the sport to promote the Russian system, and concerns about public safety and the players and their families, we didn’t find it appropriate to make any further decision,” Hewitt confirmed.
He added that if conditions change significantly by June, regulators “will consider an appropriate response.”
Russians and Belarusians are also prohibited from participating in all other tennis events in Great Britain.
Wednesday’s decision means that Wimbledon will lack the example of Daniil Medvedev, second in the ATP rankings, and eighth, Andrei Rublev. The highest ranked Russian in the WTA list is the fifteenth Anastasia Pavlyukzhnikov. Arina Sabalenka, a Belarusian woman, takes fourth place.
After the invasion of Ukraine, the tennis authorities banned Russia and Belarus from participating in international team competitions. However, players from these countries can – as before – participate in tournaments, although there is no flag next to their name. (PAP)
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