“Politics is more important than peace,” Andrey Rublev launches a scathing attack against the British government over the ban on Russians from Wimbledon
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Andrey Rublev comments on British government's decision to ban Russians and Belarusians from Wimbledon
World No. 8 Andrey Rublev was one of the many Russian and Belarusian players to have been suspended from playing at the Wimbledon Championships this year. With the war between Ukraine and Russia still continuing, citizens of Russia and Belarus face sanctions for the actions of their countries in the destruction of Ukraine.
While the players have condemned the attacks, for Wimbledon and the British government it was not enough. In order to send a strong message against the act of crime of the Russians, they stayed adamant about banning the Russian and Belarusian players from all events in the UK including the 2022 Wimbledon Championships.
The players tried to come up with many possible solutions so that they could get to play Wimbledon but it was of no use. As a result, the ATP and WTA decided to strip the Grand Slam of all ranking points. Speaking on the whole subject, Rublev recently presented his thoughts on the same and did not hold back from criticizing the British government for dragging the issue.
“We were very honest, giving them a lot of options, many ways to help. We want to come back and play, but they are not interested. They don’t want to help. Probably they proved that for them it’s all about politics We had a meeting with the Grand Slams and the ATP. It’s really good that ATP is more open to help everyone. We were very honest, giving a lot of options, many ways to help.
“Really help. Because, if they ban us for the second year, we will see no changes and will be worst for tennis. Only we make more fire in the tennis. And it doesn’t help the situation. We are offering help in any direction that is possible. We want to show that tennis can be bigger than politics. So we were offering this, but they are not interested. They really don’t want to help.
“The government of England probably proved that for them is all about politics. They are showing that politics is more important than peace. We can show a strong message, at least for one time, that sport can be separated from political issues. Could be a good start. I know that’s difficult, because they will always use sport to manipulate politics,” said Rublev speaking with Clay Tennis.
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Despite sanctions by ATP, Andrey Rublev and Co. remain banned from the UK
Following much thought, the ATP and WTA decided to hand the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), the tennis governing body of the UK, a massive fine of $1 million each. The LTA responded with a big statement condemning the WTA and ATP for the fine while receiving support from the British government.
Despite the fine, Rublev and his compatriots and the Belarusian players are still not welcome in the UK. While reports have emerged that the ATP and WTA might take stricter action if the ban continues, the LTA is not considering uplifting the ban but there’s been no official confirmation on the same.
The ATP and WTA have their events in the UK for categories 250 and above directly in the grass season. This gives the LTA enough time to ponder upon their decision to whether or not to continue with their ban going into the 2023 season or face another punishment.
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Sarthak Shitole
(3462 Articles Published)