GRAND SLAM
Wimbledon will BAN Russian players including world No2 Medvedev this summer after invasion of Ukraine
WIMBLEDON will ban Russian and Belarusian tennis players from the 2022 Championships following the “illegal” invasion of Ukraine.
A decisive and hardline decision has been taken by the All England Club to bar stars from those two nations competing at the tournament in South-West London, which starts on Monday June 27.
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The LTA will also prevent Russians and Belarusians from appearing in UK events this summer, which covers the Cinch Championship at Queen’s and tournaments in Birmingham, Nottingham and Eastbourne.
This is the opposite stance taken by the ATP and WTA Tours since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February.
It is understood the two governing bodies have expressed their “disappointment”.
Tennis chiefs made the call in line with government guidance and though they could potentially change their minds if the war ends within the next two months, it appears highly unlikely they will reverse this decision.
The decision will only apply to players and not officials or coaches.
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Daniil Medvedev, the reigning US Open champion, is ranked No2 in the world and would have been among the favourites for the men’s title.
There are five male Russian and Belarusian players in the top 100 of the ATP rankings and 12 in the same spots on the WTA list.
It is understood that Wimbledon will make attempts to prevent the action being broadcast live to Russia and Belarus TV viewers following Vladimir Putin's decision to invade neighbouring Ukraine.
Media organisations or publications from Russia or Belarus will not be welcome on site to cover the tennis.
An AELTC statement said: “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.
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“We share in the universal condemnation of Russia’s illegal actions and have 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.
“We have also taken into account guidance set out by the UK Government specifically in relation to sporting bodies and events.
“Given the profile of The Championships in the UK 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.”
Ian Hewitt, Chairman of the All England Club, added: “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.
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“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.”
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