Tennis: Wimbledon chairman Ian Hewitt said at the All England Club’s spring briefing that the club had “no feasible alternative” except to prohibit Russian and Belarusian players from this year’s Championship.
Last Monday, the All England Club announced that US Open champions Daniil Medvedev, Andrey Rublev, and Aryna Sabalenka would not be competing in the Grand Slam.
Victoria Azarenka, a two-time Australian Open champion, and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova will also be absent.
This summer, Russian and Belarusian players have been barred from participating in LTA grass court tournaments.
Hewitt elaborated on the statement, emphasising the UK government’s engagement.
He said: “The UK Government has set out directive guidance for sporting bodies and events in the UK with the specific aim of limiting Russia’s influence.
“We have considered at length the options available. These are in effect two options: declining entries or allowing entries but only with specific declarations (against the invasion of Ukraine) from individual players.
“We considered a wide variety of factors. After lengthy and careful consideration, we came to two firm conclusions. First, even if we were to accept entries (from Russian and Belarusian players) with written declarations, we would risk their success or participation 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 should put players or their families at risk. We understand and deeply regret the impact this will have on all the people affected.
“We believe we have made the most responsible decision possible. We believe [given Government guidance] there is no viable alternative in this truly exceptional and tragic situation.”
The WTA and ATP have both criticised Wimbledon’s decision and are meeting this week in Madrid to discuss how to respond, with the possibility of ranking points being removed from the tournament being discussed.
“We won’t be guessing on what may or may not happen in the future,” said chief executive Sally Bolton, adding that they were in daily contact with the tours.
“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 talks with the government about Russian coaches and other officials are ongoing and that Russian media outlets will be prohibited.
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