An ATP Challenger 100 tournament in Grodzisk Mazowiecki, Poland, called the 2023 Lotto Kozerki Open, surprised with their statement.
Last year, Wimbledon organizers banned Russian and Belarusian players from competing at the third Grand Slam of the season. However, they changed their decision in 2023, and players from all countries were allowed to compete in all ATP & WTA events this season.
But that may change at the 2023 Lotto Kozerki Open, which is an ATP Challenger 100 tournament held in Grodzisk Mazowiecki, Poland. The tournament will be played from August 14th to 19th, and last year, it was won by Tomas Machac from the Czech Republic.
But an unexpected twist has emerged in a move echoing wider geopolitical tension. The tournament organizers have recently issued a stern message to the players signing up: competitors from Russia and Belarus are not welcome. On their official website, tournament organizers made a statement that reads:
"Considering the situation in Ukraine and the armed aggression of Russia in these lands, please do not apply to the LOTTO KOZERKI OPEN ATP Challenger 100 tournament, players representing countries such as Russia and Belarus."
"Players representing Russia and Belarus will not be welcome at the tournament and in the Kozerki complex. We do not guarantee places at the Academy for these people."
It will be interesting to follow how the situation unfolds and whether the ATP will interfere, as the move could potentially be in breach with their rules. Interestingly, last year, only two playesr from these two countries competed at the tournament.
Alexey Vatutin and Bogdan Bobrov signed up for the qualifying with Vatutin making it all the way to the main draw. This year, the entry list for tournament will be closely followed as well as the following actions from the ATP or the tournament organizers.
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