Wimbledon 2023: What are some special rules for Russian and Belarusian players?

Wimbledon issues new rules for Russian and Belarusian players.

L-Daniil Medvedev (Image via Daily Express/InsideSport.In)

It’s Wimbledon time again. However, it’s back with a few changes this time around. A few more rules and a few liberations as well. What will go back to being normal is the participation of the Russian and Belarusian players.

They were not allowed to take part in the Championships last year after the terrible Ukraine invasion by the Russians last year. Also, ranking points will be back and every match will hold great value as players will look to climb up the rankings.

The rules that have been introduced have to strictly be followed by all Russian and Belarusian players. The first one is that no such player should show any support for the invasion. Nor can they express any backing for the respective Presidents of both Russia and Belarus. Also, they cannot be seen wearing any stickers, symbols, badges, etc. that trace back to either Russia or Belarus.

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Wearing such badges might mean support for the invasion. The players of both countries should not receive any sort of monetary support from any of the two countries. That also includes companies and sanctioned individuals of the country too. These rules need to be adhered to strictly as the United Kingdom government won’t be happy with any sort of disobedience of any of these laws. The result of disobedience may be very harsh.

How are Russian and Belarusian players affected due to the War?

Various players of Russian and Belarusian nationality will be affected by the laws in different ways. Veronika Kudermetova is sponsored by Tatneft which is a large oil and gas company in the country. Kudermetova will have to remove the badge of the company from her clothes in accordance with the new rules. World No. 22 Anastasia Potapova was seen wearing a football shirt that was of the concerned countries.

That will strictly be not allowed at the championships as that will violate the new rules. Repeatedly ATP ace Daniil Medvedev has been saying in his interviews that he is all in for peace and would want the unrest to come to an end once and for all. Andrey Rublev also was seen writing a ‘No War Please’ message on the camera after his match win in Dubai.

Aryna Sabalenka was seen skipping two press conferences at the French Open after she was repeatedly asked about her views on the ongoing situation. Players are affected by the ongoing crisis and would want to be away from the negativity and play well at the All-England Club.