“NO discrimination” Wimbledon defends its decision in response to Novak Djokovic’s criticism

Novak Djokovic, Wimbledon

The Wimbledon ban on the Russian and Belarusian players has caused a stir in the tennis world and the opinions are quite divided over the ban. Many believe that it was very unfair of the Wimbledon to take such an extreme step. The ATP and the WTA have been quite vocal about their disagreement on the decision. Many top players have also clarified their stance about this incident.

Novak Djokovic had criticized the decision of the Wimbledon at the Serbia Open. He said that he understood how devastating the wars are and he condemns them very strongly. The Serbian opined, “Ordinary people always suffer – we’ve had lots of wars in the Balkans. That being said, I cannot support the decision of Wimbledon, I think it is crazy. When politics interferes with sport, the result is not good.”

AELTC Chairman Ian Hewitt responds to Novak Djokovic’s comments

Novak further said that Wimbledon was discriminating against the players and violating their rights by stopping them from competing in regards to their ban. He said, “Competing is their right, there’s a rule against discrimination in tennis, which states that everyone can play according to his ranking and not his nationality. Wimbledon has violated it.”

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The All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club (AELTC) chairman has defended their decision and clarified that since the circumstances are considered very unique, they stand firmly with their decision. He said, “It is not discrimination in the form that is being said. It is a considered view reached as to what is the right and responsible decision in all the circumstances.”

“Of course, we respect the opinions which others have reached. This is a very difficult situation, we’re now trying to get across the reasons why, particular to Wimbledon and why we think it is right for Wimbledon, and we will continue to communicate in that fashion,” said AELTC Chairman Ian Hewitt, in response to Novak Djokovic latest comments, as reported by Express Sports.

The Wimbledon is one of the biggest stages for a tennis player to perform and snatching a chance from the talented players to have a glorious career or even a shot at the Wimbledon doesn’t seem right. But, the Wimbledon is concerned about the effect the Wimbledon win could serve in fueling propaganda further in a war-torn condition and they have not flinched in response to their decision. The actions to be taken against the Wimbledon as said by the ATP and the WTA remains to be seen.