the ATP finds exclusion of Russian and Belarusian players from Wimbledon “unfair”, the WTA says it is “disappointed”, Svitolina calls for extension of the bans

†We believe that today’s unilateral decision by Wimbledon and the LTA to exclude players from Russia and Belarus from this year’s UK grassfield tournament is unfair and could set a dangerous precedent for the sport.With these words, the ATP, the association that controls the top men’s circuit (except the Grand Slams), criticized Wimbledon’s decision to exclude Russian and Belarus athletes from the most prestigious grass court tournament of the year. , Wednesday, April 20. WTA, which runs the women’s circuit, followed suit. This decision was also taken by the LTA, the British tennis federation for all tournaments played across the Channel.

Statement regarding Russian and Belarusian individuals at the 2022 Championships.

— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) Apr 20, 2022

For the ATP, these decisions are a “discrimination based on nationality†† The press release states “a violation of our agreement with Wimbledon“and the association says it is thinking about the consequences given to this subject.”Any action as a result of this decision is now being assessed in consultation with our board and member councilswe can read.

The association ensures that Russian and Belarusian players are still allowed to play ATP tournaments under a neutral flag, such as since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The WTA followed in the footsteps of the ATP with a press release released later in the evening. The organization also emphasizes the discriminatory nature of such a measure, saying: “disappointed with the announcements of the day”†

A view that Ukrainian athlete Elina Svitolina, wife of Gaël Monfils, has been very committed to since the beginning of the invasion, does not share. In a tweet, the player asked the affected players to take a stand against the Ukrainian invasion and to suspend them if they reacted negatively. †There are times when silence is treason and that time has come‘ she says.