Andrey Rublev hits out at ‘illogical’ Wimbledon ban, saying ‘it is complete discrimination against us’

Andrey Rublev has become the latest player to criticise the decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players from Wimbledon and grass-court events in the UK, saying “it will not change anything”.
On the back of Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine earlier this year, the All England Club (AELTC) and Lawn Tennis Association(LTA) announced on Wednesday that players from Russia and Belarus will not be allowed to compete at any events in the UK this year, including Wimbledon.
World No 1 Novak Djokovic as well as tennis great Martina Navratilova were among those to voice their disapproval while the Belarus Tennis Federation are seeking legal action.
Belarusian tennis chiefs seek legal action over Wimbledon ban and slam ‘incompetent, ignorant’ UK officials
The ban will also see ATP world No 2 Daniil Medvedev, world No 26 Karen Khachanov and world No 30 Aslan Karatsev from Russia as well as Ilya Ivashka from Belarus miss the grass-court Grand Slam.
On the WTA side world No 4 Aryna Sabalenka and world No 18 Victoria Azarenka from Belarus, and Russian duo Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and Daria Kasatkina are among the big names who will miss out.
Rublev slammed the ban as “discriminatory” as he also called on Wimbledon to donate the prize money to relief efforts.
“Banning Russian or Belarusian players… will not change anything.
“To give all the prize money would have a more positive effect to humanitarian help, to the families who are suffering, to the kids who are suffering.
“I think that would do something. Tennis will, in that case, be the first and only sport who donates that amount of money and it will be Wimbledon so they will take all the glory.”
Latest
-
Tennis Videos
WATCH: Roger Federer makes dashing appearance in Moet and Chandon teaser
Roger Federer features in ‘The iconic moments with Moët & Chandon’.
-
ATP Tour
The 6 players who won their first ATP title in 2023, featuring Ben Shelton and Arthur Fils
All six maiden titlists were unseeded and competing in their first ATP final.
-
Tennis News
What is Coco Gauff’s net worth after record-breaking earnings in 2023 and new deals with Rolex and UPS
Coco Gauff has sponsors lining up to get in on the action.
-
WTA Tour
Marie Bouzkova hires Grand Slam winner as new coach in bid to join WTA elite
Marie Bouzkova has a new coach.
-
WTA Tour
Incredible successes stun teenager with a bright future
Alina Korneeva has already turned heads on the WTA Tour.
-
ATP Tour
Jannik Sinner, Ben Shelton or Chris Eubanks: Who has been the most improved player in 2023
Who has been the most improved player in 2023
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic makes honest admission about his relationship with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal
Novak Djokovic openly addressed his relationship with his two great rivals and revealed he hopes it changes.
-
Tennis News
Leading coach identifies ‘huge difference’ between longevity of Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer
Novak Djokovic’s current level has been compared to Roger Federer’s form at a similar age.
-
Tennis News
Former WTA star reveals why she thinks Aryna Sabalenka was the best player in 2023 over Iga Swiatek
“She has a small edge over Iga Swiatek – she could’ve won all four Slams.”
-
Tennis News
ATP pro explains why Novak Djokovic is ‘more impressive’ to face than Carlos Alcaraz
A player who has faced both Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz has compared the respective challenges.