Russian players will be allowed to compete at 2023 Australian Open under neutral flag

| by Balasz Virag

Russian and Belarusian players were not allowed to compete at this year's Wimbledon and despite various reports that also other Grand Slam tournaments may choose the same approach, it seems that they will be able to compete at all major in 2023.

Only a few months ago, All England Club CEO, Sally Bolton stated that ban for Russian and Belarusian players was only for 2022 and that most probably they will be allowed to compete next year.

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With the first Grand Slam of the 2023 season right around the corner, questions about participation for Russian and Belarusian players were raised as Daniil Medvedev and Aryna Sabalenka may be one of the top title contenders at the first major of the year.

CEO of Tennis Australia and the Australian Open tournament director, Craig Tiley spoke about participation of athletes from these countries when he stated that they will be able to compete but only under a neutral flag.

“At this point, Russian and Belarusian players will be eligible to play in the Australian Open,” Tiley said. “The only difference will be that they cannot represent Russia – cannot represent the flag of Russia."

“They cannot participate in any activity such as the anthem of Russia and they have to play as independent players under a neutral name. But they will be welcome to the Australian Open in January.”

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