Due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine with Belarus’ helping hand, Wimbledon has taken the sole decision to ban their players from participating at the tournament, in-line with worldwide sanctions.
Rublev received plaudits for writing ‘no war please’ on a camera after his semi-final win in Dubai at the end of February, whilst Medvedev exclaimed he was ‘all for peace.’ Both of these players have thus denounced the war in Ukraine, which other Russian sportsmen, such as former F1 driver Nikita Mazepin, have struggled to do. Former world number one and Belarusian, Azarenka, said the decision made 'no sense' to her.
In the circumstances..., it would be unacceptable for the Russian regime to derive any benefits from the involvement of Russian or Belarusian players with The Championships.
Wimbledon Official Statement
The ATP and WTA have denounced the ban, as they believe the decision to be ‘discriminatory,’ and lacking any substantial reasoning.
Having the former world number one, now two, the current world number eight and the women’s world number 17 banned from one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world is a strong statement against Russia and Belarus for their actions in Ukraine. Although the AELTC is playing its part in worldwide sanctions, is it fair to ban sportspeople denouncing a war that is not of their own doing?
Aside from Medvedev’s current injury, Rublev and Azarenka are currently playing, with the Russian man beating Djokovic to win the Serbian Open recently and so the question begs as to whether Wimbledon are going too far against the grain in banning these players.
Although being the current world number one, Djokovic has struggled to find many countries that will allow him to enter with his unvaccinated status against Covid-19. On the occasion the six-time Wimbledon champion does get welcomed to a tournament, he is evidently lacking in match-practice, thus explaining his Round of 32 loss in the Monte Carlo Masters.
The English government have removed all entry requirements to the UK regarding Covid-19 and so the decision to allow the world number one and current three year reigning champion makes perfect sense.
Every competition in sport wants the best people playing and so the ban on some of the best players in the world will not have been easy for the AELTC, but the added boost of having Novak playing will certainly have people glued to their seats watching.