Wimbledon yet to decide on allowing Russian, Belarusian players this
year
Send a link to a friend
[March 10, 2023]
By Shrivathsa Sridhar
BENGALURU (Reuters) - Wimbledon has still not taken a decision on the
participation of Russian and Belarusian players at the grasscourt Grand
Slam this year, organisers told Reuters on Friday, adding that they were
continuing talks with key stakeholders. |
Tennis - Wimbledon - All England Lawn Tennis
and Croquet Club, London, Britain - June 27, 2022 General view as rain
drops are seen on a Wimbledon umbrella REUTERS/Toby Melville |
The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) and
the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) had banned players from the
two countries from tournaments held in Britain following
Russia's "special military operation" in Ukraine, for which
Belarus is a key staging area.
Wimbledon had said barring players from the two countries was
its only viable option under the guidance provided by the
British government.
The Grand Slam had their ranking points taken away and the
women's WTA and men's ATP also imposed huge fines on the LTA and
the AELTC.
Two-times Wimbledon champion Andy Murray said this week he
expected Wimbledon organisers to allow Russian and Belarusian
players to compete at the Grand Slam, while the Daily Mail
reported the ban had been lifted.
"We have not yet made a decision on entries for The
Championships 2023," a spokesperson for the AELTC, which
organises Wimbledon told Reuters.
"We are continuing to work very closely with the UK Government
and key stakeholders in tennis on this matter."
This year's tournament is scheduled to run from July 3-16.
Wimbledon was the only Grand Slam to ban competitors from Russia
and Belarus last year and players competed as individual
athletes without national affiliation at the other majors.
Russian and Belarusian flags were banned from the Melbourne Park
precinct at the Australian Open earlier this year following a
complaint from the Ukraine ambassador to the country.
Ukrainian player Elina Svitolina had said last month the
Wimbledon ban must continue.
Russia's former world number one Daniil Medvedev said he would
respect whatever decision Wimbledon makes regarding the
participation of players from the two countries.
Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus echoed his
sentiments, saying the decision was out of her control.
(Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar in Bengaluru; Editing by
Christian Schmollinger)
[© 2023 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.]
This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content. |
|
|