Russian Players Can Breathe a Sigh of Relief as Wimbledon All Set to Rectify Last Year’s Mistake

Wimbledon‘s decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players from playing last year was met with a heavy backlash. While the majority of the world unanimously sides with Ukraine in the face of the horrific Russian invasion, tennis fans could not take it when their favorite icons were banned from the court. In what seemed like a very vulnerable situation, the UK’s Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) had to force a ban under pressure from the British Government. However, it looks like this year the situation is to change.

John Wertheim, the executive editor and senior writer at Sports Illustrated, has sided with the decision to remove this ban. Recently, Wertheim took to his Twitter account to talk about his stance on the matter. Although many tennis enthusiasts in the comment section beg to differ, Wertheim believes that this ban could do away for good.

Wimbledon removing the ban is a tricky decision for the UK

This decision, coupled with the fact that the aggression in Ukraine is still going on in full swing, puts Britain and Wimbledon’s stance in jeopardy. While Russian and Belarusian players have spoken out in the past about why they should be allowed to play, the Australian Open 2023 still imposed guidelines while approving their participation. They were not allowed to represent their country if they participated and would have to play under a neutral flag.

Read more: ‘It Was Never About the Money’ – Ukrainian Tennis Star Adds Sole Voice to Wimbledon’s Harsh Move on Russian Players

Following the update about the decision from SW19, Wertheim tweeted, “For better or worse (better, we’d argue) ….hearing that @Wimbledon and the LTA will NOT repeat last year’s decision to prohibit the Russians/Belarusians from competing….”

The Wimbledon Championships this year will be held from 3rd to 16th July. While no other Grand Slam tournament has seemed to put such restrictions in place, players from Russia and Belarus are allowed to participate in all tournaments on tour, albeit under a neutral flag.

Aryna Sabalenka talks about the ban

Last year, tennis icons like Aryna Sabalenka expressed their agitation with the Wimbledon over the ban. Before her win in the Australian Open 2023, Sabalenka had voiced her concerns regarding Wimbledon this year. According to her, she would not still be allowed to participate owing to her nationality. Although she does not fully agree with neutral participation, something is still better than nothing.

Owing to her stance about feeling “helpless” and having “zero control” over the situation, the news of Wimbledon finally trying to remove this ban must come as a pleasant surprise for all Russian and Belarusian players.

Do you agree with this decision by Wimbledon? Let us know.

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