“I don’t want to judge,” Alexander Bublik feels Wimbledon authorities have ‘the right’ to ban Russian players


“I don’t want to judge,” Alexander Bublik feels Wimbledon authorities have ‘the right’ to ban Russian players

Alexander Bublik

Ever since Wimbledon decided to ban Russian and Belarusian players due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, many tennis players have spoken against the decision blaming the All England Club’s call and telling the authorities to not mix sports with politics. However Kazakhstani tennis star Alexander Bublik shared his unique thoughts about the entire fiasco.

Bublik also has shared how he does not support the notion of bringing politics into sports but at the same time, he understands how the organisers can decide what is best for them and that he believes it is completely their choice. He also feels that sports is mostly for entertainment for fans and not a place to make political statements.

“I don’t want to judge whether it’s right or wrong, but I’ll be happy to tell you what I think about it,” the 24-year-old exclusively told Eurosport. “It is a decision of the government and the organisers. You have the right to do so. For me, sport is also a distraction from normal life, if you will – and no sport should be mixed up too much with politics.

He shares how most people get comfortable and sit on their couch and watch sports and they seek entertainment while following their favourite player. He adds how it is a shame that now that is limited. He added, “It’s all about getting comfortable with a beer in front of the TV and following your favourite player or team. It’s a great pity for the fans that this is now limited.”

Alexander Bublik gave up his Russian passport in 2017

Alexander Bublik
Alexander Bublik

Alexander Bublik was previously a Russian citizen before he decided to switch allegiances to Kazakhstan, back in 2017. Currently ranked 32 in the world, Bubik shares that he loves representing his country Kazakhstan in any tournament with great pride.

“I no longer have a Russian passport, because two citizenships are not allowed,” he added.“I have no connection with the tennis federation in Russia. I am a Kazakh and have been playing for the country for almost six years.

“I am proud to represent Kazakhstan. In the Davis Cup, at the Asian Games or at the Olympic Games,” he concluded.

Currently, Alexander Bublik is all set to participate in the Madrid Open. The 24-year-old will start his campaign against Serbia’s Miomir Kecmanovic.

Also Read: “Never give up,” Carlos Alcaraz reminisces how loss against Rafael Nadal at the Indian Wells helped him in his journey

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