Google News
ATP could impose some sanctions in order to punish Wimbledon decision to ban Russian and Belarusians player from the 2022 edition due to the Ukraininan war. From a heavy fine to the loss of points: there are numerous hypotheses that the top tennis players would be evaluating in these hours.
The ATP has again raised the issue and announced that ATP Tour tournaments taking place before Wimbledon will regularly distribute points throughout the grass season. "After extensive consultations with the Player Council and the Tournament Council, the ATP Board confirms that this season the Queen's and Eastbourne ATP events will proceed smoothly and will provide ATP points.
The decision to ban Russian and Belarusian tennis players however remains contrary to the rules of the ATP and undermines the right of players of any nationality to take the field on merit. The feelings related to the violation of the ATP rules by the LTA will be assessed separately in the context of the governance of the ATP.
ATP's response to Wimbledon's decision is still under review. There will be further communications in due course."
What happened
On 27 April, in a special press conference, the president of the All England Club Ian Hewitt listed the main reasons that led the management of the Wimbledon tournament to exclude Russian and Belarusian tennis players from the London Slam.
"Now I would like to address the issue that is at the center of our attention, namely the desire to deny participation in Wimbledon to Russian and Belarusian athletes. After a long and careful consideration, we have come to two conclusions on which our decisions are based.
Even if we accepted the participation of Russians and Belarusians with written declarations, we would risk their successful participation being used as propaganda by the Russian regime. Which we could not accept. Furthermore, we must ensure that our every action does not put the players or their families at risk ”.
The decision made by the Wimbledon organizers was not welcomed by the ATP executives, who after receiving the news issued a harsh statement. “We strongly condemn the reprehensible invasion of Ukraine by Russia and stand in solidarity with the millions of innocent people affected by the ongoing war.
We believe today's unilateral decision by Wimbledon and the LTA to exclude players from Russia and Belarus from this year's British turf tournament is unfair and has the potential to set a damaging precedent for the game. "
