Russian and Belarusian players will not be allowed to participate in this year’s Wimbledon tennis tournament in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“Given the profile of tournaments in the UK and around the world, it is our responsibility to play our part in the broad efforts of government, industry, sport and creative institutions to reduce Russia’s global influence through the strongest possible means,” the All England Lawn Tennis Club and the Tournament Management Committee said in a statement on Wednesday. .
Under the conditions of such unjustified and unprecedented military aggression, it would be unacceptable for the Russian regime to take advantage of the participation of Russian or Belarusian players in tournaments. Therefore, we intend, with great regret, to refuse the entry of the players of Russia and Belarus to the 2022 tournament.”
The ban means that Russian Daniil Medvedev, the world number two for men and world number four for women, Arina Sabalenka of Belarus, will not participate in the tournament. In addition, the Lawn Tennis Association, the UK’s governing body for sport, will not allow Russia or Belarus to participate in other UK events.
Ian Hewitt, president of the All England Club, said: “We understand that this is difficult for the affected individuals and it is unfortunate that they will suffer due to the actions of the leaders of the Russian system. We have carefully considered alternative measures that could be taken under UK government guidance, but given the high profile environment of tournaments, The importance of not allowing the sport to be used to strengthen the Russian system and our broader concerns for the public and players (including the safety of the family), we do not believe it is possible to proceed on any other basis in the tournament.”
“If conditions materially change between now and June, we will look into the matter and respond accordingly,” Hewitt added.
Speaking against the ban, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: “Given that Russia is a strong tennis country and our athletes have top lines in the world rankings, the tournament itself will suffer because of this ban. It is unacceptable to once again make athletes hostages of some political bias, intrigue and business. hostility towards our country.
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