Rublev Says Wimbledon 2022 Ban for Russian Players Made 'No Difference'
ATP
Andrey Rublev believes Wimbledon's decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players from the 2022 tournament had little impact.
Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, many sporting organisations and governing bodies responded by banning Russian and Belarusian athletes from competing at events. One of the main decisions in tennis came from Wimbledon's ruling to prohibit Russian and Belarusian players from entering last year's tournament.
However, Wimbledon lifted the ban from the 2023 tournament, which will see the likes of Rublev and Daniil Medvedev return to SW19 this season. When speaking to reporters about last year's ban following his first-round win against Max Purcell, Rublev felt Wimbledon's decision last year had no impact, but the world number seven on the ATP Tour also explained he was happy to be back competing in SW19.
" I think that, I mean, we were talking, and I think we could find the solution. Yeah, if we really want to help or do what is better for tennis and for the people, I think obviously there was better options. Not just to ban. Because in the end, was no difference. They did only worse to themselves."
"So in the end, I think, yeah, that there was for sure there was options to do much better for everyone. For Wimbledon to, how you say, to take all the benefits from some actions, but it is what it is. Now we are here, and like I said, I'm really happy to be back and to compete."
In addition, Rubelv was asked whether he could use his stature at Wimbledon to highlight his views on the Russia-Ukraine war. However, the Russian player felt few people involved in the war will be interested in how he performs at the Grand Slam.
"I don't really think that they care that much if I play or I don't play. I mean, in my case, I did everything very clear already many times, but I don't think that their focus on me, to watch if I'm playing or not, and if what it means if I'm playing or if I pull out."
