The leaders of Wimbledon, the third ‘Grand Slam’ of the season, are in talks with the UK government to try to prevent the veto to the participation of Russian and Belarusian tennis players in this year’s tournament.
Some information suggests that the number two in the world, Daniil Medvedev, could be excluded from the tournament due to fears that a Russian victory will boost the regime of Vladimir Putin amid the invasion of Ukraine.
Until now, Russian and Belarusian tennis players have been allowed to continue playing in ATP, WTA and ITF competitions. provided they did so under a neutral flag and without their anthem being played.
But it is understood thatl The All England Club, which hosts Wimbledon, may implement a ban on players from those countries without risk of legal repercussions due to its status as an independent tournament.
Organizers are currently in contact with a number of bodies, including the Government and the Lawn Tennis Association of Great Britain.before announcing a verdict ahead of next month’s entry deadline.
“We have taken note of the UK government’s guidance regarding the assistance of Russian and Belarusian people. with neutral status to sporting events in the United Kingdom,” said a statement from the All England Club.
“This remains a complex and challenging issue, and we continue to engage in discussions with the UK government, the LTA and tennis’s international governing bodies. We plan to announce a decision in relation to Wimbledon before our entry deadline in mid-May. “, he pointed. Wimbledon is scheduled from Monday June 27 to Sunday July 10.
The UK Sports Minister, Nigel Huddleston called on all Russian and Belarusian athletes to prove that they are “genuinely neutral” and guarantee that they do not support or receive money from Putin or the Russian regime.
US Open champion Medvedev is currently the highest-profile tennis player from those countries. The 26-year-old is doubtful to play at the next Roland Garros after undergoing hernia surgery.
His compatriot Andrey Rublev is ranked eighth in the men’s world ranking, while Karen Khachanov and Aslan Karatsev they are in positions 24 and 31, respectively, and the Belarusian Ilya Ivashka, in 42.
Belarusians Aryna Sabalenka and Victoria Azarenka are among the top 50 ranked players on the WTA circuit, in addition to the Russians Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, Veronika Kudermetova, Daria Kasatkina and Ludmilla Samsonova.
Asked specifically last month if Medvedev would be allowed to participate in Wimbledon this year, Huddleston was clear. “Absolutely no one flying the Russian flag should be allowed or allowed. We need some potential guarantee that they are not supporters of Vladimir Putin. We are considering what requirements we may need,” he said.
“When it comes to individuals, that gets a little more complex, so we’re looking at and talking to various sports. in terms of what the response should be and the requirements,” he concluded.