‘When Politics Interfere With Sport It Usually Doesn’t Turn Out Well’ – Novak Djokovic Calls Out Wimbledon Championships’ Decision to Ban Russian Players

The rising tensions in Eastern Europe have kept the world on the brink. With the supply-chain disruptions and rising oil prices putting economic stress on nations, the conflict has affected the entire world. Moreover, the sporting world has been affected, too. Yesterday, Wimbledon Championships announced a decision to ban Russian athletes from participating at this year’s tournament. However, World Number 1, Novak Djokovic, has disagreed with their decision.

The Serb is having difficult times of his own. He had to miss quite a few tournaments this year. Additionally, his form has been shaky, and he has struggled in the tournaments that he has played.

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Djokovic is in his hometown, Belgrade where he is playing at the Serbia Open. During an interview, he opened up on Wimbledon Championships’ decision to ban Russian players.

Novak Djokovic slams the decision to ban Russian athletes from Wimbledon

Talking about this major decision announced by Wimbledon authorities yesterday, the Serb said, “Ordinary people always suffer – we’ve had lots of wars in the Balkans. (…) I cannot support the Wimbledon decision. It’s not the athletes’ fault. When politics interfere with sport, it usually doesn’t turn out well.”

Moreover, this decision will severely affect the top players in the world like Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev. The former is having troubled times this year after winning the US Open title last season. He had a heart-breaking loss against Rafael Nadal in the finals of the Australian Open. Further, he reached the top spot in the ATP rankings, before shortly losing it.

Medvedev had a dismal campaign at the ‘Sunshine Double’. He lost in the third round in Indian Wells and the quarterfinals of the Miami Open. Subsequently, he missed the Monte Carlo Masters after undergoing surgery on a hernia. His comeback on clay and his participation at Roland Garros is in major doubt too following his surgery.

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This has put his hopes of reclaiming the Number 1 ranking from Djokovic in limbo. It remains to be seen how he copes with this latest setback.