IMAGE: Wimbledon was the one Grand Slam to ban opponents from Russia and Belarus final yr. Photograph: Matthew Childs/Reuters
Wimbledon has nonetheless not taken a call on the participation of Russian and Belarusian players on the grasscourt Grand Slam this yr, organisers advised Reuters on Friday, including that they’re persevering with talks with key stakeholders.
The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) and the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) had banned players from the 2 nations from tournaments held in Britain following Russia’s “particular navy operation” in Ukraine, for which Belarus is a key staging space.
Wimbledon had stated barring players from the 2 nations was its solely viable choice beneath the steering offered by the British authorities.
The Grand Slam had their rating factors taken away and the ladies’s WTA and males’s ATP additionally imposed big fines on the LTA and the AELTC.
Two-times Wimbledon champion Andy Murray stated this week he anticipated Wimbledon organisers to allow Russian and Belarusian players to compete on the Grand Slam, whereas the Daily Mail reported the ban had been lifted.
“We haven’t but decided on entries for The Championships 2023,” a spokesperson for the AELTC, which organises Wimbledon advised Reuters.
“We are persevering with to work very intently with the UK Government and key stakeholders in tennis on this matter.”
This yr’s match is scheduled to run from July 3-16.
Wimbledon was the one Grand Slam to ban opponents from Russia and Belarus final yr and players competed as particular person athletes with out nationwide affiliation on the different majors.
Russian and Belarusian flags have been banned from the Melbourne Park precinct on the Australian Open earlier this yr following a criticism from the Ukraine ambassador to the nation.
Ukrainian participant Elina Svitolina had stated final month the Wimbledon ban should proceed.
Russia’s former world primary Daniil Medvedev stated he would respect no matter determination Wimbledon makes relating to the participation of players from the 2 nations.
Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus echoed his sentiments, saying the choice was out of her management.
