Wimbledon leaders, third Big bangs This season, they are in talks with the UK government to try to prevent a ban on Russian and Belarusian tennis players from participating in this year’s tournament.
Some reports suggest that world number two Daniil Medvedev could be excluded from the tournament due to concerns that a Russian victory could strengthen Vladimir Putin’s regime amid the incursion into Ukraine.
Until now, Russian and Belarusian tennis players were allowed to play under a neutral flag and without having their national anthem played.
But the All England Club, which hosts Wimbledon, can ban its participation without the risk of legal repercussions due to its status as an independent tournament.
Organizers are currently in touch with a number of bodies, including the government and the Great Britain Tennis Association, before announcing the ruling on next month’s entry deadline.
“We have taken note of the UK government’s guidance regarding the attendance of Russian and Belarusian persons of neutral status at sporting events,” a statement from the All England Club said.
“This remains a complex and challenging issue, and we continue to engage in talks. We plan to announce a decision on this before the mid-May registration deadline.” Wimbledon will run from Monday 27 June to Sunday 10 July.
British Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston has called on all Russian and Belarusian athletes to show they are “truly impartial” and to ensure they are not supported or receiving money from Putin or the Russian regime.
“Subtly charming bacon junkie. Infuriatingly humble beer trailblazer. Introvert. Evil reader. Hipster-friendly creator.”