Wimbledon Bars Russian and Belarusian Players From This Year’s Tournament

(Bloomberg) -- Wimbledon barred Russian and Belarusian competitors from playing in this year’s tennis tournament in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.  

Also Wednesday, the U.K.’s Lawn Tennis Association banned Russian and Belarusian players from professional events in Britain. The ATP, the global governing body of men’s professional tennis, took issue with the decisions, calling them “unfair” and saying Wimbledon has agreed that player entry is based solely on ATP rankings.

“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,” the tournament’s organizers said in a statement.

Organizers said that should circumstances change before the start of the tournament in June, “we will consider and respond accordingly.” The LTA in its statement also said its decision will last “whilst the current situation continues.”

The All England Lawn Tennis Club, which organizes the Wimbledon tournament, said the LTA’s decision was welcomed and helps ensure that “British tennis is delivering a consistent approach across the summer.”

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