On Wednesday 20 April, the All England Club announced the ban of Russian and Belarusian players from the 2022 Wimbledon tournament running from 27 June to 10 July.
Following their statement, both the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) and the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) expressed disapproval of the decision. While many players have also voiced objections, including Serbia’s Novak Djokovic, a six-time men’s singles champion at Wimbledon.
Wimbledon ban of Russian and Belarusian players
In the announcement on Wednesday 20 April, the All England Club expressed its support of Ukraine.
“We wish to express our ongoing support for all those impacted by the conflict in Ukraine”
The All England Club
The committee states that it shares in the universal condemnation of the war. It believes it has a “responsibility” to play a part in the global efforts to limit Russia’s influence through “the strongest means possible”.
The club emphasises that it announces the ban is “with deep regret”. Also, it adds that should the situation between Russia and Ukraine change before June, it will reconsider the decision.
“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.”
Ian Hewitt, Chairman of the All England Club
The response from the ATP and WTA
Both the ATP and the WTA have voiced their condemnation of the ban of Russian and Belarusian players from Wimbledon.
The WTP states that although it “strongly condemns” Russia’s actions in Ukraine it is nonetheless “very disappointed” in the ban. While the ATP adds that tennis operates on “principles of merit and fairness” and that the ban of these players is “unfair”.
“Discrimination based on nationality also constitutes a violation of our agreement with Wimbledon that states that player entry is based solely on ATP Rankings.”
The Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP)
Furthermore, the ATP stresses that it will still allow players from Russia and Belarus to take part in ATP events. Provided they compete under a neutral flag.
Players response
Many world-famous players will be affected by the ban, including:
- Daniil Medvedev, men’s world number two
- Aryna Sabalenka, women’s world number four
- Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, women’s world number 15
- Andrey Rublev, men’s number 8
- Karen Khachanov, world number 26
- Aslan Karatsev, world number 30
Many players have condemned Wimbledon’s decision. Although one of the most noteworthy outcries against it is from men’s world champion – Novak Djokovic. The six-time men’s singles champion expressed his opposition to any form of war but states that politics should not interfere with war.
“I cannot support the decision of Wimbledon, I think it is crazy.”
Novak Djokovic