'Not Happy Russians & Belarusians Are Playing': Ukrainian Tennis Federation On Wimbledon
WTA
Last year's Wimbledon was the only Grand Slam to not allow Russian and Belarusian players to compete at the event.
The event earned a lot of praise on social media for its move to ban Russian and Belarusian players from playing at the event. It wasn't just a singular ban at Wimbledon, it was a UK-wide ban by the Lawn Tennis Association which acted upon the recommendations of the UK government.
A staunch supporter of Ukraine in the conflict, the country debated about a ban this year but opted to allow the LTA to make up their own mind. They pulled back the ban under heavy pressure from the ATP and WTA as they were heavily sanctioned for the ban last year.
It was a decision that was welcomed by some players but denounced by others. Casper Ruud welcomed the lifting of the ban, as did Elena Rybakina who won the event last year. Elina Svitolina didn't protest the lifting knowing that it was likely coming.
Evgeniy Zukin, the executive director of the Ukrainian Tennis Federation spoke to Ubitennis about the upcoming Wimbledon expressing disappointment about the decision. They were very grateful for the solidarity last year but understood that the LTA would reverse the decision under heavy pressure.
We are not happy that Russians and Belarussians are playing in these events. Wimbledon set an example last year (with their ban) but nobody followed it. We understand that they can’t stay as the only tournament not allowing them to participate.
All Russian and Belarusian players have to sign a declaration about not support the war with some having to remove state-sponsors from their kits as well. Zukin described that move as better than nothing but still maintained the Federation's overall stance.
Their declaration is better than no declaration. But it would be better if such a declaration was signed across the whole Tour. This is the position of our Federation.
