UPDATE: Wimbledon organisers have announced a ban on all players from Russia and Belarus competing at this year’s championships due to the war on Ukraine.
The decision means men’s world No.2 Daniil Medvedev and former women’s No.1 Victoria Azarenka are barred from the tournament at the All England Club, set to begin in late June.
Wimbledon is the first tennis tournament to suspend Russians and Belarusians.
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They are currently allowed to play on the ATP and WTA circuits as neutral athletes, and have been permitted to enter next month’s Roland-Garros.
The decision has been made after nearly two months of discussions between Wimbledon organisers and the UK government.
“Given the profile of The Championships in the United Kingdom and around the world, it is our responsibility to play our part in the widespread efforts of Government, industry, sporting and creative institutions to limit Russia’s global influence through the strongest means possible,” a statement released by Wimbledon in the early hours of Thursday morning (AEST) said.
“In the circumstances of such unjustified and unprecedented military aggression, it would be unacceptable for the Russian regime to derive any benefits from the involvement of Russian or Belarusian players with The Championships.
“It is therefore our intention, with deep regret, to decline entries from Russian and Belarusian players to The Championships 2022.”
Ian Hewitt, Chairman of the All England Club, said: “We recognise that this is hard on the individuals affected, and it is with sadness that they will suffer for the actions of the leaders of the Russian regime.
“We have very carefully considered the alternative measures that might be taken within the UK Government guidance but, given the high profile environment of The Championships, the importance of not allowing sport to be used to promote the Russian regime and our broader concerns for public and player (including family) safety, we do not believe it is viable to proceed on any other basis at The Championships.”
The decision divided the tennis world, with Novak Djokovic strongly opposing the move, while Ukrainian tennis players spoke out in support of it.
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