LONDON —
Wimbledon banned Russian and Belarusian players from this year’s Championships
to avoid “being used to benefit the propaganda machine of the Russian regime”,
tournament chiefs said on Tuesday.
اضافة اعلان
The All England Club (AELTC), which runs the grass-court Grand Slam, announced the move last
week in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
It means stars such
as US Open champion Daniil Medvedev, Andrey Rublev, Aryna Sabalenka, and
Victoria Azarenka cannot play at the event, which starts in late June.
The decision was
criticized by the ATP, which runs the men’s tour, and women’s tour organizers
the WTA, while Rublev labeled it “complete discrimination” and defending
Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic said it was “crazy.”
But AELTC chairman
Ian Hewitt defended the move, saying the decision was made after careful
consideration, taking into account
UK government guidance for sporting bodies
with the aim of limiting Russia’s influence.
“These are in
effect two options — declining entries or allowing entries but only with
specific written declarations (against the invasion of Ukraine) from individual
players,” he said at Wimbledon’s annual media briefing.
He added: “First,
even if we were to accept entries from Russian and Belarusian players with
written declarations, we would risk their success or participation at Wimbledon
being used to benefit the propaganda machine of the Russian regime, which we
could not accept.”
“Second, we have a
duty to ensure no actions we take should put players or their families at risk.
We understand and deeply regret the impact this decision will have on every
individual affected and so many innocent people are suffering as a result of
this terrible war.”
“But...we believe
we have made the most responsible decision possible in the circumstances and
that, within the framework of the government’s position, there is no viable
alternative to the decision we have taken in this truly exceptional and tragic
situation.”
Hewitt rejected
accusations of discrimination, saying it was a “considered view” after a
process that included conversations with players directly affected.
Downgrade?
As the Grand Slam tournaments are autonomous, possible sanctions by the
ATP and the WTA could include a refusal to award ranking points at the event,
which runs from June 27 to July 10.
That could reduce
Wimbledon to the status of a high-profile exhibition event.
Players
representing
Russia and
Belarus are currently allowed to take part in ATP and
WTA events but are barred from competing under the name or flag of their
countries.
Their national
teams have, however, been banished from the Davis Cup and BJK Cup competitions.
The WTA and ATP are
holding meetings in Madrid this week to decide how to react.
AELTC chief
executive
Sally Bolton said officials were in daily communication with the
tours, adding: “We continue to make the case for why we have made the decision
we have made and the unique set of circumstances we find ourselves in here in
the UK. They absolutely appreciate that.”
Bolton also
revealed that discussions were taking place with the British government
regarding Russian and Belarusian coaches and other officials but confirmed that
Russian media outlets would be banned.
Spectators and club
members from the two countries will be able to attend.
World number one
Djokovic will be able to challenge for his seventh Wimbledon crown after the
officials confirmed players would not be required to be vaccinated against
coronavirus.
The unvaccinated
Serb was deported from Australia in January after losing a last-ditch court bid
to stay in the country — denying him the chance to defend his Australian Open
title.
Last year’s
COVID-related restrictions at Wimbledon, which included reduced crowds for most
of the tournament and strict conditions imposed on the players, will all be
lifted.
“We are planning to return to a normal Championships this
year,” said Bolton. “And so we don’t intend to implement any of the
Covid-19 measures that we saw last year in any substantial fashion.”
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