Wimbledon news: Former US Open champion says decision to strip major of ranking points ‘the correct one’
Former US Open champion Sloane Stephens has backed the ATP and WTA’s decision to strip Wimbledon of ranking points in the wake of the banning of Russian and Belarusian players from the grass-court Grand Slam.
Following Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine, the All England Club (AELTC) and Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) opted to ban all players from Russia and Belarus from grass-court events in the United Kingdom.
The move by the two organisations came despite the ATP, WTA and ITF opting to allow players from the two countries to compete as individual players on the respective tours with only flags and anthems banned.
Action was promised and action was delivered on Friday when it was confirmed that Wimbledon would be stripped of ranking points, but the players would still receive ranking points for the other ATP and WTA events in the UK.
Comment – Why the removal Wimbledon’s ranking points could backfire on the ATP and WTA
WTA Council member Stephens left no doubt about how she feels about the decision.
“I think the decision that was taken was the correct one. I think that there is a lot of things that happened behind the scenes that the press are not aware of, and I think there has been a lot of mishandling of how everything was handled,” the American said.
“I support our CEO, I support my council, I support the players. The decision that’s been taken obviously wasn’t taken lightly. I think when you are backed into a corner and that’s all you can do, I think that’s why the decision was made, and I support it.”
Stephens insinuated that there was a lot going on behind the scenes, but didn’t really want to divulge more, jokingly stating that “snitches get stitches”
She added: “I think a lot of players and people around were misinformed about what was happening and what was actually taking place in the weeks prior to a final decision being made.
“I think that’s a tad bit unfair, but it’s the world we live in. We live in social media. We live in people talking and tweeting and all this stuff. So it is what it is, but I think the decision that was made was the best one for the tour and for the players.”
Latest
-
Tennis News
Aryna Sabalenka’s boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov dies as club confirms tragic news
Our thoughts go out to Aryna Sabalenka.
-
WTA Tour
Emma Raducanu suffers huge injury setback on the eve of Miami Open
Raducanu forced to make a tough decision ahead of WTA 1000 tournament in Miami.
-
Tennis News
Carlos Alcaraz hailed for ‘chasing Rafael Nadal’ by pundits as injury concern highlighted
“It adds to the quality of Alcaraz that he can play at this level at the age of 20.”
-
Tennis News
Miami Open draw: Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner learn their fate as Andy Murray gets enticing opener
Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Daniil Medvedev and co. have learned their draws for 2024 Miami Open.
-
Tennis News
Tim Henman gives his verdict on Novak Djokovic’s ‘revealing’ Miami Open withdrawal
“It probably does lead a little bit more to speculation when you’re talking about your professional and personal life.”
-
Tennis News
Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer compared to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi by legendary coach
“Rafa can do the same thing that Federer does, while Cristiano cannot do what Messi does.”
-
Tennis News
Martina Navratilova makes Novak Djokovic ‘doubt’ claim as she highlights age factor
“What happens when you get older is the bad days are worse. You have to have it (doubt) no matter what.”
-
WTA Tour
WTA Rankings: Dominant Iga Swiatek practically assured of big feat ahead of Roland Garros
This way for your post-Indian Wells WTA Rankings.
-
Tennis News
Andy Murray makes retirement uncertainty confession as he also opens up about one of his toughest losses
“I would want to be there by right,” says Andy Murray.
-
ATP Tour
ATP Rankings: Novak Djokovic 7.997 years at No 1, Carlos Alcaraz holds off Jannik Sinner, Luca Nardi +27
This way for your latest ATP Rankings.