Tennis
Due to the conflict in Ukraine, Russian and Belarusian players cannot participate in this edition of Wimbledon. A choice made by the direction of the tournament which is very revised within the circuit, in particular by Novak Djokovic. According to the Serb, his counterparts shouldn’t be sanctioned as they never voiced their support over Russia’s invasion.
This edition of Wimbledon is special. Indeed, the tournament management has decided to prohibit certain players from participating. The invasion of Ukraine by Russia, a movement supported by Belarus, will have effectively led to the impossibility for Russian and Belarusian tennis players and tenniswomen to come and defend their chances on the lawn of the all of england. Very big names are then absent, like the world number 1 Daniel Medvedev, Andri Rublev (number 8) or Karen Khachanov (number 22). The WTA circuit also has significant absences, such as those ofAryna Sabalenka (number 6) or Daria Kasatkina (number 13). A situation that had never happened before Wimbledon. This decision makes the players in this sport react, and some do not hesitate to rant, in particular Novak Djokovic. Well present in London to try to win this tournament, the Serb thinks all the same of his counterparts, who according to him should not be sanctioned because of a conflict which they did not support.
Wimbledon: Retirement for Benoît Paire? https://t.co/rSPvfZKQxR pic.twitter.com/3q7qd6DJsc
– le10sport (@le10sport) June 27, 2022
“They agree to play. They are professional athletes.
Novak Djokovic successfully entered the competition Wimbledon. Opposed to Soon Woo Kwon in the 1st round, the Serb disposed of the Korean in 4 sets (6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4) and will face Thanasi Kokkinakis this Wednesday. The 35-year-old dreams of a first Grand Slam title in 2022, and a 7th title in London. However, Russian and Belarusian players do not even have the chance to participate in this tournament, and have been forced to stay at home. A situation that does not please Nolewho knows this war situation well. “As a child of a war, and indeed many during the 90s, I know what it is like to be in this position. But on the other hand, I can’t say that I completely agree with banning Russian tennis players, Belarusian tennis players, from competing indefinitely. I just don’t see how they won anything over what’s going on. They agree to play. They are professional athletes. None of them supported a war or anything like that. Let me remind you that in the 90s, from 1992 to 1996, no athlete from Serbia was allowed to compete on the international stage, in any sport. So I know how it feels. I know how much it affected their lives. Many of them have given up on their sport…” he designated, according to comments relayed by We love tennis.