If they fulfill specific requirements, competitors from both countries will be permitted to compete as “neutral” athletes.
In a retreat from its response to Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Wimbledon has reversed a ban on Russian and Belarusian players, allowing them to compete in the grass-court Grand Slam this year as “neutral” athletes.
If they meet specific requirements, players from the two countries will be allowed to participate in the competition in July. Among them include refraining from endorsing the invasion and refusing to accept government funds from their own nations.
The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC), which oversees Wimbledon, stated in a statement on Friday that competitors are also prohibited from receiving sponsorships from organizations that are run or controlled by the government. Other British competitions will be subject to the same rules.
Club Chairman Ian Hewitt stated, “We continue to completely condemn Russia’s illegal invasion, and our unwavering solidarity remains with the people of Ukraine.
This was a really difficult decision that wasn’t made hastily or without giving the people who would be affected a lot of thought, he added. In our opinion, these are the most suitable arrangements for the championships this year after taking all relevant aspects into account.
Following the invasion of Ukraine last year, Wimbledon barred players from Russia and Moscow’s ally Belarus, claiming that this was the only practical course of action in accordance with British government directives.
Following the imposition of the strict sanctions last year, Wimbledon and the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), the UK’s national governing body for the sport, received severe punishment. Both organizations received fines, and Wimbledon lost ranking points.
The tournament said that the conditions for this year were the result of discussions with the administration.
The All England Club’s strategy was endorsed by UK Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer, who stated that the government would continue to oppose allowing Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete in domestic and international athletic events on behalf of their countries.
The AELTC and LTA shouldn’t have ever been penalized by the international tennis tours for adopting a moral stance against Russian aggression, said Frazer. “Independent, self-funded Russian and Belarusian sportsmen can compete in the United Kingdom, subject to obeying our instructions on neutrality.”
The decision was well received by the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) and the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP). The governing organizations claimed that in order to find a “workable solution” that maintains the integrity of the competition, it was necessary for the entire sport to work together.
The associations issued a joint statement saying, “We are glad that all players will have the opportunity to compete in Wimbledon and LTA competitions this summer.”
The ATP and WTA reiterated their strong criticism of Russia’s aggression on Ukraine and expressed gratitude to Wimbledon and the LTA for their efforts in bringing about this resolution.
Only Wimbledon, which has served as a staging ground for Russian forces entering Ukraine, allowed players from Belarus and Russia to compete.
At the other majors, players participated on the tour as independent athletes without regard to their country of origin.
Among the top 10 of the men’s rankings, there are two Russians: Daniil Medvedev (No. 5) and Andrey Rublev (7).
Aryna Sabalenka, a Belarussian woman, is ranked second worldwide among women. She became the first neutral Grand Slam champion in January when she won the Australian Open. Daria Kasatkina of Russia is currently tenth in the world.
The dates for Wimbledon are July 3–16.
