Russian and Belarussian Players Like Medvedev, Rublev, Sabalenka Might Be Banned From Wimbledon
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A month ago a report emerged about the possibility of Russian players getting banned from playing Wimbledon. That story died off. But it’s now back and back with some heft.
Earlier, the ITF announced a ban on Russian and Belarussian teams from competition on the international stage, and the tours suspended events in those countries. The Grand Slams are now taking action.
While the French will likely go on as planned, it appears Wimbledon is set to announce in the coming days if not hours that Russian and Belarussian players will be banned from competing in their event this June.
According to Wimbledon, regardless of their politics, their support or their residence, players like Daniil Medvedev, Andrey Rublev, Aryna Sabalenka and Victoria Azarenka will not be allowed to play, if reports are true.
War is terrible, we know. But to me it’s hard to put all these players into a basket and blame them. And many have come out against the war. They have no authority or power.
And all this leads to a very slippery slope and sets quite the precedent.
Let’s say the U.S.A. invades Syria, will American players get banned from future events?
Is this really the direction the sport/sports should be heading? Right now, I don’t believe the NBA or NHL has taken actions against its players from Russia or Belarus, but tennis has.
I know the UK PM talked about having these players publicly denounce the war. Some Ukrainian players have spoken about giving them lie detectors. That’s nonsense and doesn’t help.
Wimbledon can do what Wimbledon wants, but isn’t there a better way for the pro tennis community to come together and show support for the Ukraine without penalizing the players?
UPDATE: Just after this post, Wimbledon confirmed the ban and their ban from all UK events (Queen’s among them), in a statement:
It is therefore our intention, with deep regret, to decline entries from Russian and Belarusian players to The Championships 2022.
Ian Hewitt, Chairman of the All England Club, commented: “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.
“We have very carefully considered the alternative measures that might be taken within the UK Government guidance but, given the high profile environment of The Championships, the importance of not allowing sport to be used to promote the Russian regime and our broader concerns for public and player (including family) safety, we do not believe it is viable to proceed on any other basis at The Championships.”
If circumstances change materially between now and June, we will consider and respond accordingly.
We also welcome the LTA’s decision in declining entries from Russian and Belarusian players to UK events to ensure that British tennis is delivering a consistent approach across the summer.
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