“We have made the most responsible decision,” Wimbledon authorities back their call to ban Russian and Belarusian players

The authorities at Wimbledon have banned the Russian and the Belarusian players following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. It was a shocking decision that was criticised by many people. Even the ATP and WTA tours have criticised the move of banning players. But All England Club chairman Ian Hewitt feels it is the most responsible decision as he claims that they do not have any alternative.

The All England Club that organises the grand along with the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) have clearly stated that no players from Russian and Belarusian nationalities will be allowed to feature in this year’s Championships due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Among the top 30 ATP Rankings, there are four Russian players including the likes of World No.2 Daniil Medvedev and World No.8 Andrey Rublev. Whereas among the top 32 WTA Rankings, there are six Russian and Belarusian players which also include World No. 4 Aryna Sabalenka.

However, despite all the issues, Hewitt stands rigid in his call as he feels that the All England Club has considered all the viable alternatives and only after finding problems in each one of those did he decide to ban the players from participating. He highlighted how players’ safety and security for themselves and their families have been kept in mind. He also shared how they regret the decision that has affected so many people but they stand true to the war that is going on and many people have lost their lives in it aswell. So they had no other choice but to impose a ban on the Russian and Belarusian players from this year’s Championship.

Ian Hewitt explains the reason for Wimbledon banning the Russian and Belarusian players

Speaking at Wimbledon’s spring briefing, Ian Hewitt said, ‘“At the outset, we believe this is an extreme and exceptional situation that takes us far beyond the interests of tennis alone.

“Russia’s ongoing invasion, leading to catastrophic harm for millions of lives in Ukraine, has been condemned worldwide by over 140 nations, government, industry, sport and creative institutions are all playing their part in efforts to limit Russia’s global influence, including any benefit from trade, cultural or sporting shows of strength. As part of that response, the UK government has set up directive guidance for sporting bodies and events in the UK with the specific aim of limiting Russia’s influence,” he added.

Hewitt shared how they valued players safety and security even if they submitted a written declaration of their stance as Russia continue their atrocities against Ukraine.

“We considered a wide variety of factors, including player safety, humanitarian efforts to support in the conflict, and the response of other sports in seeking to limit Russia’s influence. After lengthy and careful consideration we came to two firm conclusions that have formed the basis for our decision; first, even if we were to accept entries from Russian and Belarusian players with written declarations, we would risk their success of participation at Wimbledon being used to benefit the propaganda machine of the Russian regime, which we could not accept. Second, we have a duty to ensure that no actions we take should put the safeties of players or their families at risk.”

Lastly, Hewitt highlighted how the authorities regret the move and the impact it will have on individuals but compares it with the impact of the war that Ukrainian people are going through by giving away their lives. “We understand and deeply regret the impact this decision will have on every individual affected and so many innocent people are suffering as a result of this terrible war. We have made the most responsible decision possible in the circumstances. We understand that there is no viable alternative to the decision we have taken in this truly exceptional and tragic situation,” Hewitt concluded.

The chairman of the All England Club also added that there is banning on vaccination and World No.1 Novak Djokovic will be allowed to take the court at the Championships.

Also Read: ‘See you in Madrid,’ Rafael Nadal announces his comeback at the Madrid Masters

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