ATP responds to Wimbledon’s decision to exclude Russian and Belarusian players

The ATP has responded to the decision by the the All England Club and the LTA to bar Russian and Belarusian athletes from all UK grass court tournaments.
While the ATP condemned Russian aggression in Ukraine, they labelled the ban as ‘unfair’.
The All England Club, which runs Wimbledon, said they were acting to “limit Russia’s global influence through the strongest means possible”.
The ATP issued a statement in response to the ban, airing their concern that it could set a damaging precedent for the game.
“We strongly condemn Russia’s reprehensible invasion of Ukraine and stand in solidarity with the millions of innocent people affected by the ongoing war,” the statement opens.
Our sport is proud to operate on the fundamental principles of merit and fairness, where players compete as individuals to earn their place in tournaments based on the ATP Rankings.
“We believe that today’s unilateral decision by Wimbledon and the LTA to exclude players from Russia and Belarus from this year’s British grass-court swing is unfair and has the potential to set a damaging precedent for the game.”
The ATP believe that the LTA and Wimbledon are in breach of Tour conditions.
Some sort of action from the ATP is expected with the body set to assess the ban in the coming days.
They believe that Russian and Belarusian players should be allowed to compete under a neutral flag and that their exclusion is contrary to the spirit of the game.
The statement continues: “Discrimination based on nationality also constitutes a violation of our agreement with Wimbledon that states that player entry is based solely on ATP Rankings.
“Any course of action in response to this decision will now be assessed in consultation with our Board and Member councils.
“It is important to stress that players from Russia and Belarus will continue to be allowed to compete at ATP events under a neutral flag, a position that has until now been shared across professional tennis.
“In parallel, we will continue our joint humanitarian support for Ukraine under Tennis Plays for Peace.”
The Cinch Championships at the Queen’s Club is the first of the men’s UK Grass court tournaments getting underway on 13 June.
Latest
-
French Open
Tennis should use video replays, says Cameron Norrie after latest umpiring gaffe
British No 1 benefited from a double bounce during his win against Lucas Pouille.
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic admits being fuelled by ‘drama’ as Kosovo comments fall-out continues
The Serbian stayed away from political statements after his second-round win over Martin Fucsovics in Paris.
-
French Open
French Open day four: Carlos Alcaraz and Taro Daniel produce tweener special, Nick Kyrgios a happy man
The story of the fourth day of action at the French Open.
-
French Open
Novak Djokovic reveals what is driving him towards French Open glory
Novak Djokovic admitted he is fuelled by drama as the fall-out continued from his controversial message about Kosovo after his latest win.
-
French Open
Carlos Alcaraz ‘really happy with my level’ after win over world No 97
World No 1 dropped set to world No 97.
-
French Open
Cameron Norrie ‘sorry to take another Frenchman out’ at French Open
The British number one took on the French Open crowd again in a 6-1 6-3 6-3 victory.
-
News
Home hope Caroline Garcia suffers shock exit at Roland Garros
Garcia saved eight match points but could not find a way through to the last 32.
-
French Open
Stefanos Tsitsipas says that playing on clay cleanses his soul
Stefanos Tsitsipas really loves playing on clay and he isn’t afraid to let it show.
-
French Open
Peyton Stearns credits college tennis with preparing her for intense French Open atmosphere
Peyton Stearns upset former French Open champions Jelena Ostapenko 6-3, 1-6, 6-2.
-
French Open
Elina Svitolina weathers Hunter Storm onslaught to secure Round of 32 place
Elina Svitolina defeated qualifier Storm Hunter in the second round of Roland Garros.