12 April 2023 , 13:34
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Wimbledon are guilty of handing a PR victory to Vladimir Putin after deciding to lift the ban on Russian and Belarussian players for this year’s tournament.
That is the opinion of Ukraine ’s foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba, who has slammed the softened stance. Wimbledon announced last month that players from Russia and its ally Belarus would be able to compete in July as ‘neutral’ athletes, provided they agree not to show any signs of support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The decision reverses the stance from 2022 and allows the likes of 2021 U.S. Open winner Daniil Medvedev, world No. 6 Andrey Rublev and world No.12 Karen Khachanov to feature in the men’s draw. Meanwhile, world No.2 and Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka, from Belarus, and Russia’s world No.8 Daria Kasatkina and world No.16 Victoria Azarenka will be strong contenders in the women’s singles.
Kuleba is furious with the reversal, which comes after the ATP and WTA stripped the tournament of its ranking points and threatened further sanctions against Wimbledon. He has accused the Lawn Tennis Association of being “immoral” and deceiving Ukraine.
“Last year, Wimbledon took the difficult but noble decision to bar competitors from Russia and Belarus,” he wrote for the Daily Express. “[The] organisers deserve credit for doing the right thing. What has changed since? Not much...We should not hand Putin wins.”
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Kuleba wants the UK government to overrule Wimbledon by refusing visas to players. He added: “If the Wimbledon organisers lack courage, official London could stand firm and shut the door.” He believes that Russia and Belarus would view the decision as a sign Western opposition to the invasion was beginning to “crumble”.
Vladimir Putin will be happy with Wimbledon's change of stance (SPUTNIK/AFP via Getty Images)Wimbledon has buckled under pressure to change its stance on Russian and Belarussian. In addition to having ranking points stripped, the LTA incurred significant fines last year and also faced the prospect of losing its licence to host events at Queens, Eastbourne, Birmingham and Nottingham unless it ended the suspension.
“We continue to condemn totally Russia’s illegal invasion and our wholehearted support remains with the people of Ukraine," said All England Club chairman Ian Hewitt in a statement. “This was an incredibly difficult decision, not taken lightly or without a great deal of consideration for those who will be impacted.
“It is our view that, considering all factors, these are the most appropriate arrangements for The Championships for this year. We are thankful for the Government’s support as we and our fellow tennis stakeholder bodies have navigated this complex matter and agreed on conditions we believe are workable.
“If circumstances change materially between now and the commencement of The Championships, we will consider and respond accordingly.”