Wimbledon has been stripped of its world ranking points as a consequence of the All England Club and Lawn Tennis Association’s decision to bar athletes from the two countries twelve months ago.
The foreign minister of Ukraine has called Wimbledon’s decision to allow Russian and Belarusian competitors to compete “immoral.”
Dmytro Kuleba urged the United Kingdom to deny entry visas to the athletes.
Mr. Kuleba said in a statement, “Has Russia ceased its aggression or atrocities? No, but Wimbledon has decided to accommodate two criminal accomplices.”
In the summer, Russian and Belarusian competitors will be permitted to compete at Wimbledon. As the All England Club has lifted the ban it imposed last year.
Two-nation athletes must sign neutrality declarations and not back Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to compete.
Players sponsored by state-owned or -controlled companies in Russia or Belarus will remain excluded.
The same conditions will apply to other British grass-court tournaments, including Queen’s in London’s West Kensington.
The move reverses the decision taken a year ago by the All England Club and Lawn Tennis Association (LTA). The two regulating bodies were severely punished as a result, with Wimbledon losing its world ranking points and becoming essentially an exhibition event, with players unable to earn ranking points at Wimbledon as they do at all other official tournaments.
In the meantime, the Lawn Tennis Association was given a seven-figure sanction and its tournaments were threatened.
The chairman of the All England Club, Ian Hewitt, commented on the decision to lift the prohibition, stating, “We continue to condemn Russia’s illegal invasion and stand by the Ukrainian people.”
This was a difficult choice that took into account those affected. We believe that considering all factors, these are the most suitable arrangements for this year’s Championships.
“We are grateful for the government’s assistance as we and our fellow tennis stakeholder organisations navigated this complex issue and reached an agreement on what we believe to be viable conditions.
“If circumstances materially change between now and the start of the Championships, we will evaluate the situation and respond accordingly,”
The threat of further sanctions against the British game was unquestionably a significant factor in the U-turn, with the LTA stating: “The effect of the LTA being expelled from the tours would be extremely damaging and far-reaching for the sport in our country.”
“The impact would be felt by the millions of fans who follow the sport, the grassroots of the game. Including Coaches, venues, and elite British players.”
Both governing bodies reiterated their displeasure with the tennis community’s response to last year’s moratorium, and Wimbledon chief executive Sally Bolton stated, “We stand by the decision we made last year under the circumstances.”
Additionally, the tournament administrators have updated their entry requirements to prohibit the use of Russian and Belarusian flags and symbols.
Players and their support personnel will not be required to expressly condemn the Russian or Belarusian authorities. But they will be required to state that they are not using the tournaments to support those governments.
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus is a strong performer on grass, and Daniil Medvedev of Russia has won more matches than any other player on the men’s tour so far this season. The likelihood of a winner from one of these two countries at Wimbledon is fairly high.
The ATP and WTA issued a joint statement expressing their approval of the decision. “We are delighted that all players will have the opportunity to compete at Wimbledon and LTA events this summer.
“A viable solution that safeguards the integrity of the game required a concerted effort from the entire sporting community.”
A year has also passed since players from the two nations have competed around the globe under a neutral flag with no overt support for the conflict.
