Rafael Nadal criticized Wimbledon's ban on Russian and Belarusian players as unfair, but Ukrainian Sergiy Stakhovsky was not on the same side of the fence.
Following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, the tennis world has responded in differing ways depending on how each individual tournament or governing body deems most appropriate.
As Wimbledon is not strictly part of the ATP, the organizers were free to decide whether Russians and Belarusians could compete at SW19, and their decision to ban them has sent shockwaves through the world of tennis.
Despite a torrent of criticism from all angles, Nadal had, until yesterday, been taking his classic approach of being careful to comment on sensitive events. However, the Spaniard did, in fact, break his silence when asked at the Madrid Open.
The two-time Wimbledon winner nailed his colors to the mast by saying he thought the blanket ban the AELTC had introduced was unfair. Serbian Novak Djokovic shared a sentiment similar to that of the Spaniard, albeit a milder one.
However, any glimpse of support to Russian and Belarusian players was not appreciated by Ukrainian Sergiy Stakhovsky, who made sure to voice his opinion following what Nadal said.
"Rafael Nadal we competed together.. we’ve played each other on tour. Please tell me how it is fair that Ukrainian players cannot return home? How it is fair that Ukrainian kids cannot play tennis? How is it fair that Ukrainians are dying?"
Stakhovsky tagged Nadal in the status so that the Spaniard could see it, but as expected, the Spaniard has yet to respond. Stakhovsky is one of many Ukrainian tennis players who have publicly spoken about the war and praised Wimbledon's decision.
It is important to note that Wimbledon's decision has been met with much criticism since its announcement. However, Ukrainians like Stakhovsky vehemently support it.