"We are very disappointed" - WTA releases statement on Wimbledon decision: Backlash against Ban

 

Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February, Belarusian and Russian athletes have been able to compete as individuals under a neutral flag with no national anthems played in the events of ATP, WTP and ITF. However, LTA and AELTC have gone a step further and completely banned the athletes from the two countries from participating in Wimbledon and other grass-court events in the UK.

The Women’s Tennis Association has insisted that individual athletes should not be penalized or prevented from competing. They released a statement that reads, “The WTA strongly condemns the actions that have been taken by Russia and its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. We continue our humanitarian relief efforts to support Ukraine through Tennis Plays for Peace. We are, however, very disappointed in today’s announcement by the AELTC and the LTA to ban individual athletes who are from Russia and Belarus from competing in the upcoming UK grass court events.

Participation of individual athletes in professional tennis events based on merit without any discrimination is a fundamental principle of the Women’s Tennis Association. The principles mentioned in WTA’s rules have been agreed to by the All England Lawn Tennis Club and Lawn Tennis Association. Both AELTC and LTA have also expressed prohibition against discrimination in the Grand Slam rules.

WTA has consistently expressed that they believe individual athletes should not be prevented from competing or penalized due to the decisions taken by the leadership of their respective countries. They believe that discrimination against athletes competing as individuals on their own is unjustified. WTP has made it clear that all athletes will be able to compete in their Tour events provided they qualify to do so. They will not face any discrimination regardless of where they are from and the political situation of their home country.