Russian and Belarusian players banned from Wimbledon over Ukraine war
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Loading... - Drew Hamilton
- 21 Apr 2022
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Russian and Belarusian players have been able to play on the Women's Tennis Association and Association of Tennis Professionals Tours as neutral players up until this point, under tennis' response to the invasion of Ukraine.
However, they will now be ruled out of the third Grand Slam of the year.
The All England Club and the Committee of Management said it had carefully considered the situation in the "context of our duties to the players, to our community and to the broader UK public as a British sporting institution".
Guidance from the UK Government was also a consideration in the decision, the organisation confirmed.
"On behalf of the All England Club and the Committee of Management of The Championships, we wish to express our ongoing support for all those impacted by the conflict in Ukraine during these shocking and distressing times.
"Given the profile of The Championships in the United Kingdom and around the world, it is our responsibility to play our part in the widespread efforts of Government, industry, sporting and creative institutions to limit Russia’s global influence through the strongest means possible.
"In the circumstances of such unjustified and unprecedented military aggression, it would be unacceptable for the Russian regime to derive any benefits from the involvement of Russian or Belarusian players with The Championships.
"It is therefore our intention, with deep regret, to decline entries from Russian and Belarusian players to The Championships 2022."
The All England Club's decision will rule our Russia's Daniil Medvedev and compatriot Andrey Rublev, the world numbers two and eight, respectively.
Both men have both called for peace following the invasion of Ukraine.
Belarus' Aryna Sabalenka is the highest player in the women's rankings to be impacted.
The world number four reached the semi-finals at Wimbledon last year.
"We recognise that this is hard on the individuals affected, and it is with sadness that they will suffer for the actions of the leaders of the Russian regime," said Ian Hewitt, chairman of the All England Club. Read More…
