Novak Djokovic criticizes Wimbledon for excluding Russians and Belarusians

Other London Grand Slam organizers were opposed to allowing players from these countries to start, despite not having a nationality. “They have no real alternative to the position of the UK government,” Wimbledon officials said in a statement.

All this is the result of the Russian aggression against Ukraine, which began on February 24 and continues, and Belarus supports the regime of Vladimir Putin..

In response to Wimbledon’s situation, the ATP and the Tennis Association, the organizations that connect professional tennis players and tennis players, decided that this year’s event would not be awarded ranking points. This means that Djokovic, as the defending champion, will not be able to maintain the 2,000 points awarded to the winner.

“From a personal point of view, not having the opportunity to play and defend 4,000 points – in Australia (where they were not accepted because they were not vaccinated against COVID-19 – an editorial note) and now at Wimbledon, it takes a negative effect – said Djokovic.

“However, over the past few days I have spoken with the board of directors, the president of the ATP and some members of the board. I am pleased that we have shown with the governing body of men that this was a mistake, in which case there must be some consequences. That the English government sent the recommendations of the Wimbledon organizers About it, and there were several options, not just one, but they didn’t discuss it with anyone from the ATP or with players, even Russians and Belarusians, trying to see if there was some common ground on which these parties could come to a conclusion. Compromise. So I think it was a mistake “- he added.

But the Serbian does not intend to boycott the participation in the London Championships.

“The Grand Slam is always the Grand Slam. When I was a kid, Wimbledon was always my dream tournament. I don’t look at it in terms of points or cash prizes. For me, it’s something else. But there must be some criteria,” Djokovic said. or standards, and mutual respect.”

Four-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka said on Monday May not perform at Wimbledon as a showpiece event.

On the other hand, Iga Schweitek will not resign from the London event, who also commented on this matter..