Former world number 1 and Wimbledon champion, Andy Murray expressed his opinion on a recent ban which prevents Russian and Belarusian players from playing the 2022 Wimbledon.
Sporting groups have barred Russian and Belarusian athletes from competing in sporting events since the invasion of Ukraine. Wimbledon stated last month that they would follow suit, what has received varied reactions from players including Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray. Murray did not support the ban of his fellow tennis players, despite the fact that he does not have a solution to the problem.
"I'm not supportive of players getting banned. My understanding of the guidance was that Russians and Belarusians can play if they sign a declaration that they're against the war and against the Russian regime."
"I don't think there's a right answer. I have spoken to some of the Russian players. I've spoken to some of the Ukrainian players. I feel really bad for the players who aren't allowed to play and I get that it will seem unfair to them. But I also know some of the people who work at Wimbledon, and I know how difficult a position they were in. I feel for everyone, feel for the players that can't play, and I don't support one side or the other."
Another former world number 1 and 21-time Grand Slam champion, Rafael Nadal also opposed the ban, when he said:
"Let's see if we can take some kind of decision on this," Nadal said. "It's very unfair to my colleagues, they aren't to blame for what is happening with the war. I feel sorry for them and I wish it wasn't like this. In the end, we know that this is what it is. When the government puts measures in place, we have to follow them."
Current world number 1 and another great champion, Novak Djokovic shared the opinion of Nadal and Murray, when he said:
"I will always condemn war, I will never support war being myself a child of war. I know how much emotional trauma it leaves. In Serbia we all know what happened in 1999. In the Balkans we have had many wars in recent history."
"However, I cannot support the decision of Wimbledon, I think it is crazy. When politics interferes with sport, the result is not good."
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