Andrey Rublev blames Wimbledon of having propaganda in banning Russians and Belarusians last year rather than choosing the best option
The World No. 7, Andrey Rublev, who was himself the first Russian player to speak against Russia's invasion, opened up about the ban of Russian and Belarusian players last year
via:Telegraph
Tennis star Andrey Rublev has never shyed away from expressing his unfiltered opinion about any political issue. He was also the first Russian tennis player to speak out against Russia’s attack on Ukraine. After his straight-set wins against Max Purcell in the first round of Wimbledon 2023, Rublev presented his views about Wimbledon’s decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players last year.
Rublev, in his past interviews, had openly talked about offering solutions but not being able to reach a common ground with the Wimbledon committee for last year’s ban. Referring to the same, Andrey blamed Wimbledon for trying to stick to their decision regardless of whether it was right or wrong rather than reaching a solution that would have been good for everyone.
In response to a reporter’s question about whether banning players was a mistake by Wimbledon, he says, “I think that, I mean, we were talking, and I think we could find the solution. Yeah, if we really want to help or do what is better for tennis and for the people, I think obviously there was better options. Not just to ban. Because in the end, was no difference. They did only worse to themselves.”
The second-highest-ranked Russian international also added that his status as a Russian player or a player holding sympathy for Ukrainians doesn’t matter at all to the Wimbledon officials. Despite the differences, he doesn’t have a grudge against Wimbledon, as he is happy to be back on the court again.
Continuing his train of thoughts, he further added, “In the end, I think, yeah, that there was for sure there was options to do much better for everyone. For Wimbledon to, how you say, to take all the benefits from some actions, but it is what it is. Now we are here, and like I said, I’m really happy to be back and to compete.”
For the unitiated, the Russians and Belarusians have been allowed to take part in Wimbledon this year. Wimbledon received a lot of backlash from former players and fans last year for the ban. However, the players will have to follow some guidelines during the entire event.
Players will not be allowed to represent the flag of their country and will have to play as neutrals. Along with this, the tennis stars of the above-mentioned countries cannot indicate any support for any regime as well. These points are all included in a neutrality agreement that must be signed by tennis governing bodies to allow Russian and Belarusian players to take part in the event.
Andrey Rublev first round match summary
Andrey Rublev defeated his first-round opponent in straight sets, with the score line reading 6-3, 7-5, 6-4. He was also the first men’s player to progress to the second round. Rublev benefited massively from the double faults of his opponent and maintained his consistency all over the game.
He used his power well and had a total of six Aces in the match. Although he was down 2-5 in the second set, Rublev maintained his composure to come back and win the set 7-5. Max Purcell gave a tough fit, but it was not enough to beat the world number 7. Max Purcell also lost his calm at the end of the second set due to the umpire’s decision.
Rublev will face Aslan Karatsev in the second round of Wimbledon 2023.Karatsev handed a defeat to French Luca Van Assche in the fourth set after losing the first set to him (7-6, 4-6, 2-6, 4-6) to qualify to the second round.
Read more:
- Jimmy Connors tells Novak Djokovic, Wimbledon 2023 is the best place to leave Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal behind once and for all
- “Novak avoids the curse by actually winning” – Nick Kyrgios’ withdrawal from Wimbledon leads fans to speculate a ‘runners-up curse’ at the Championships
Rishav Agrawal
(22 Articles Published)