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This has been mentioned in the megathread but it's so important that it probably deserves its own thread in case anyone else has thoughts about the situation.
Russian and Belarusian players to be banned from Wimbledon, headline in every UK paper today.
This has been coming down the track for weeks. There have been numerous flashpoint moments when the mooted group response from the players from these countries might have been made bit it didn't materialise (not saying a group response would have worked or how it could have been done in practical terms.) The optics have been poor (Medvedev's non commital comments, Rublev writing the vague car-sticker soundbite 'no war please' on a camera lens, other players saying nothing much at all).
Now that the biggest slam has apparently taken this step (I say apparently as they've done the leak to the papers first before announcing thing which is bit weak) I can't see how the others don't follow. Maybe they will still get to play the French (due to time practicality, plus the French liking to make decisions on their own terms in their own time) but the other two are surely off the table.
And then there's the question of once out then what will be the criteria to allow them back in?
What a mess.
Russian and Belarusian players to be banned from Wimbledon, headline in every UK paper today.
This has been coming down the track for weeks. There have been numerous flashpoint moments when the mooted group response from the players from these countries might have been made bit it didn't materialise (not saying a group response would have worked or how it could have been done in practical terms.) The optics have been poor (Medvedev's non commital comments, Rublev writing the vague car-sticker soundbite 'no war please' on a camera lens, other players saying nothing much at all).
Now that the biggest slam has apparently taken this step (I say apparently as they've done the leak to the papers first before announcing thing which is bit weak) I can't see how the others don't follow. Maybe they will still get to play the French (due to time practicality, plus the French liking to make decisions on their own terms in their own time) but the other two are surely off the table.
And then there's the question of once out then what will be the criteria to allow them back in?
What a mess.
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Official statement due later today.
According to News24
It is likely that this ban will apply to all British grass-court tournaments this summer.
The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), which oversees key Wimbledon warm-up tournaments such as Queen's and Eastbourne, said last week they would follow Wimbledon's lead.
"We think from a public perspective and indeed a practical implementation perspective that there needs to be alignment [between the All England Club and LTA], so it is really clear and understood," said LTA chief executive Scott Lloyd.
"That is critically important."
According to News24
It is likely that this ban will apply to all British grass-court tournaments this summer.
The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), which oversees key Wimbledon warm-up tournaments such as Queen's and Eastbourne, said last week they would follow Wimbledon's lead.
"We think from a public perspective and indeed a practical implementation perspective that there needs to be alignment [between the All England Club and LTA], so it is really clear and understood," said LTA chief executive Scott Lloyd.
"That is critically important."
Apr 20, 2022 -- 6:53AM, SamuelMertensBertens wrote:
Yeah, this did deserve a thread so well done creating one. From what I understand, I think with Wimbledon being a private club they can do whatever they want, without needing approval from the government, and this is not a case with the other Slams. So the unity that has been shown from the Slams lately, the Naomi Osaka statement and decisions on bo5, will probably not come into play here.
They can do what they like in terms of that, but their decisions still need to stand up under law, highly questionable if this does.
Christopher Clarey
@christophclarey
ATP says Wimbledon's decision "is unfair and has the potential to set a damaging precedent for the game"
https://twitter.com/christophclarey/status/1516810418886483971
Has full statement. I expect WTA to say similar. Also noting this quite clearly breaks the grand slam's own rulebook which says the same thing.
@christophclarey
ATP says Wimbledon's decision "is unfair and has the potential to set a damaging precedent for the game"
https://twitter.com/christophclarey/status/1516810418886483971
Has full statement. I expect WTA to say similar. Also noting this quite clearly breaks the grand slam's own rulebook which says the same thing.
Today's Wimbledon and LTA statements in full for reference.
Wimbledon Statement
WED 20 APR 2022 15:30 BST
Statement Regarding Russian and Belarusian Individuals at The Championships 2022
On behalf of the All England Club and the Committee of Management of The Championships, we wish to express our ongoing support for all those impacted by the conflict in Ukraine during these shocking and distressing times.
We share in the universal condemnation of Russia’s illegal actions and have carefully considered the situation in the context of our duties to the players, to our community and to the broader UK public as a British sporting institution. We have also taken into account guidance set out by the UK Government specifically in relation to sporting bodies and events.
Given the profile of The Championships in the United Kingdom and around the world, it is our responsibility to play our part in the widespread efforts of Government, industry, sporting and creative institutions to limit Russia’s global influence through the strongest means possible.
In the circumstances of such unjustified and unprecedented military aggression, it would be unacceptable for the Russian regime to derive any benefits from the involvement of Russian or Belarusian players with The Championships.
It is therefore our intention, with deep regret, to decline entries from Russian and Belarusian players to The Championships 2022.
Ian Hewitt, Chairman of the All England Club, commented: “We recognise that this is hard on the individuals affected, and it is with sadness that they will suffer for the actions of the leaders of the Russian regime.
"We have very carefully considered the alternative measures that might be taken within the UK Government guidance but, given the high profile environment of The Championships, the importance of not allowing sport to be used to promote the Russian regime and our broader concerns for public and player (including family) safety, we do not believe it is viable to proceed on any other basis at The Championships.”
If circumstances change materially between now and June, we will consider and respond accordingly.
We also welcome the LTA’s decision in declining entries from Russian and Belarusian players to UK events to ensure that British tennis is delivering a consistent approach across the summer.
Source https://www.wimbledon.com/en_GB/news/articles/2022-04-20/statement_regarding_russian_and_belarusian_individuals_at_the_championships_2022.html
LTA Statement
20/04/22
LTA statement on Russian and Belarusian players at our tournaments
The LTA is today united with the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) in announcing a ban on all Russian and Belarusian players at its events.
After careful consideration the LTA believes that tennis must join many other areas of sport and public life in sending a clear signal to the Russian and Belarusian states that their actions in Ukraine are the subject of international condemnation.
The continuing participation of Russian and Belarusian nationals at events risks providing a boost to these regimes when there is an unprecedented international effort to isolate them and sanction their actions.
The LTA also recognises that individual Russian and Belarusian players may not agree with the actions of their Governments and this is a situation beyond their control. Never-the-less the national governing body believes that it is important to do all it can to support Ukraine at this time, and that this move has the support of the British public.
This decision, alongside that of the AELTC, also means that British tennis is delivering a consistent approach across all events over the course of the summer.
The decision will impact pro-level adult and junior events in Great Britain and will last whilst the current situation continues in accordance with the UK Government guidance in place. The approach will be reviewed regularly and any future changes would be based on discussion with the UK Government.
Russian and Belarusian nationals who are not playing in events but who are involved in other official capacities (such as officials or player support), will be subject to the Government guidance requirements.
Source https://www.lta.org.uk/news/statement-on-russian-and-belarusian-players-at-o...
Wimbledon Statement
WED 20 APR 2022 15:30 BST
Statement Regarding Russian and Belarusian Individuals at The Championships 2022
On behalf of the All England Club and the Committee of Management of The Championships, we wish to express our ongoing support for all those impacted by the conflict in Ukraine during these shocking and distressing times.
We share in the universal condemnation of Russia’s illegal actions and have carefully considered the situation in the context of our duties to the players, to our community and to the broader UK public as a British sporting institution. We have also taken into account guidance set out by the UK Government specifically in relation to sporting bodies and events.
Given the profile of The Championships in the United Kingdom and around the world, it is our responsibility to play our part in the widespread efforts of Government, industry, sporting and creative institutions to limit Russia’s global influence through the strongest means possible.
In the circumstances of such unjustified and unprecedented military aggression, it would be unacceptable for the Russian regime to derive any benefits from the involvement of Russian or Belarusian players with The Championships.
It is therefore our intention, with deep regret, to decline entries from Russian and Belarusian players to The Championships 2022.
Ian Hewitt, Chairman of the All England Club, commented: “We recognise that this is hard on the individuals affected, and it is with sadness that they will suffer for the actions of the leaders of the Russian regime.
"We have very carefully considered the alternative measures that might be taken within the UK Government guidance but, given the high profile environment of The Championships, the importance of not allowing sport to be used to promote the Russian regime and our broader concerns for public and player (including family) safety, we do not believe it is viable to proceed on any other basis at The Championships.”
If circumstances change materially between now and June, we will consider and respond accordingly.
We also welcome the LTA’s decision in declining entries from Russian and Belarusian players to UK events to ensure that British tennis is delivering a consistent approach across the summer.
Source https://www.wimbledon.com/en_GB/news/articles/2022-04-20/statement_regarding_russian_and_belarusian_individuals_at_the_championships_2022.html
LTA Statement
20/04/22
LTA statement on Russian and Belarusian players at our tournaments
The LTA is today united with the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) in announcing a ban on all Russian and Belarusian players at its events.
After careful consideration the LTA believes that tennis must join many other areas of sport and public life in sending a clear signal to the Russian and Belarusian states that their actions in Ukraine are the subject of international condemnation.
The continuing participation of Russian and Belarusian nationals at events risks providing a boost to these regimes when there is an unprecedented international effort to isolate them and sanction their actions.
The LTA also recognises that individual Russian and Belarusian players may not agree with the actions of their Governments and this is a situation beyond their control. Never-the-less the national governing body believes that it is important to do all it can to support Ukraine at this time, and that this move has the support of the British public.
This decision, alongside that of the AELTC, also means that British tennis is delivering a consistent approach across all events over the course of the summer.
The decision will impact pro-level adult and junior events in Great Britain and will last whilst the current situation continues in accordance with the UK Government guidance in place. The approach will be reviewed regularly and any future changes would be based on discussion with the UK Government.
Russian and Belarusian nationals who are not playing in events but who are involved in other official capacities (such as officials or player support), will be subject to the Government guidance requirements.
Source https://www.lta.org.uk/news/statement-on-russian-and-belarusian-players-at-o...
At 1.43pm British time (after UK newspapers reported the Wimbledon action but before the actual statement)
Ukrainian Number 1 Elina Svitolina weighed in with a conditional demand to extend the ban to all international events.
https://twitter.com/ElinaSvitolina/status/1516759567824306182/photo/1
Ukrainian Number 1 Elina Svitolina weighed in with a conditional demand to extend the ban to all international events.
https://twitter.com/ElinaSvitolina/status/1516759567824306182/photo/1
So the winners of the Australian Open and Wimbledon this year will have to live with knowing that they weren't necessarily the best.
n88uk20 Apr 22 17:11
Christopher Clarey
@christophclarey
ATP says Wimbledon's decision "is unfair and has the potential to set a damaging precedent for the game"
https://twitter.com/christophclarey/status/1516810418886483971
Has full statement. I expect WTA to say similar. Also noting this quite clearly breaks the grand slam's own rulebook which says the same thing.
Yeah, WTA statement released is effectively rehash of same statement.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FQzvVWUXEAEwCv6?format=png&name=small
Martya Kostyuk has posted the same conditional demand to ATP, WTA and ITF as Svitolina. Not a retweet. It's a joint post.
https://twitter.com/marta_kostyuk/status/1516757492516196354/photo/1
Christopher Clarey
@christophclarey
ATP says Wimbledon's decision "is unfair and has the potential to set a damaging precedent for the game"
https://twitter.com/christophclarey/status/1516810418886483971
Has full statement. I expect WTA to say similar. Also noting this quite clearly breaks the grand slam's own rulebook which says the same thing.
Yeah, WTA statement released is effectively rehash of same statement.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FQzvVWUXEAEwCv6?format=png&name=small
Martya Kostyuk has posted the same conditional demand to ATP, WTA and ITF as Svitolina. Not a retweet. It's a joint post.
https://twitter.com/marta_kostyuk/status/1516757492516196354/photo/1
poll on The Times's website has 76% in favor of the ban.
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/wimbledon-to-ban-russian-stars-such-as-daniil-medvedev-36jcvxr9w
,
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/wimbledon-to-ban-russian-stars-such-as-daniil-medvedev-36jcvxr9w
,
Obviously it has all kicked off and it's challenging to keep up with the fallout so far.
Djokovic and Navratilova have come out disagreeing with the decision. Martina on Andrew Marr taking the view that “Exclusion … is not the way to go,” “The only option now for them to play would be to leave their country. That’s something that I had to do in ’75, because of a totalitarian regime. And now we're asking them to do the same, because of politics, because of optics. I understand the banning of teams, of course, but on an individual level, I just think it's wrong.” When asked if she thought the decison could be walked back she added 'I think, you know, the horses have [left] the barn. It would be more difficult to reverse this.' (Source telegraph)
Kostyuk's twitter fracas with John Millman reached Fox. Again the reference to 'optics' comes up.
Millman - I feel like Ukraine would be better served if @Wimbledon donated their entire profit in support aid instead of banning the Russian and Belarusian players.
Kostyuk - @johnhmillman Ukraine needs peace and freedom that we are dying for right now. Not money.
Anyone who thinks that decision like this one is targeting players personally is pretty selfish. Players are great part of propaganda and big example to their fans. Silence is a betrayal
Millman - Hey @marta_kostyuk Maybe I could have gotten my message across more clearly. I’m in total support of Ukraine and its people. I just feel like Wimbledon is doing this more for their own gain, for good optics rather than to actually help. I pray for your family
Kostyuk - @johnhmillman as we can all see, @Wimbledon definitely didn’t get any gain so far and is facing a lot of difficulties. Nothing personal, but I hope other tournaments will act the same. Unless players speak out. Thank you
Djokovic and Navratilova have come out disagreeing with the decision. Martina on Andrew Marr taking the view that “Exclusion … is not the way to go,” “The only option now for them to play would be to leave their country. That’s something that I had to do in ’75, because of a totalitarian regime. And now we're asking them to do the same, because of politics, because of optics. I understand the banning of teams, of course, but on an individual level, I just think it's wrong.” When asked if she thought the decison could be walked back she added 'I think, you know, the horses have [left] the barn. It would be more difficult to reverse this.' (Source telegraph)
Kostyuk's twitter fracas with John Millman reached Fox. Again the reference to 'optics' comes up.
Millman - I feel like Ukraine would be better served if @Wimbledon donated their entire profit in support aid instead of banning the Russian and Belarusian players.
Kostyuk - @johnhmillman Ukraine needs peace and freedom that we are dying for right now. Not money.
Anyone who thinks that decision like this one is targeting players personally is pretty selfish. Players are great part of propaganda and big example to their fans. Silence is a betrayal
Millman - Hey @marta_kostyuk Maybe I could have gotten my message across more clearly. I’m in total support of Ukraine and its people. I just feel like Wimbledon is doing this more for their own gain, for good optics rather than to actually help. I pray for your family
Kostyuk - @johnhmillman as we can all see, @Wimbledon definitely didn’t get any gain so far and is facing a lot of difficulties. Nothing personal, but I hope other tournaments will act the same. Unless players speak out. Thank you
So far today.
UK Press jumping on the 'Optics' buzzword and pictures of Kate Middleton. Telegraph - 'For the All England Club, the mental image of their patron, the Duchess of Cambridge, handing out Wimbledon’s golden Challenge Cup to Daniil Medvedev became simply too distasteful to bear. Traditionally, the Championships have been a stubbornly apolitical realm. That was until a possibility emerged that the future Queen could mark the centenary of Centre Court by glorifying a Russian player whose country is waging a war of annihilation against a sovereign neighbour. It was not merely unpalatable, but unthinkable....'
Svitolina discussing possibility of exemptions with Radio 5 live, 4 minute interview worth a listen.
Millman doubling down on his bizarre focus on money.
UK Press jumping on the 'Optics' buzzword and pictures of Kate Middleton. Telegraph - 'For the All England Club, the mental image of their patron, the Duchess of Cambridge, handing out Wimbledon’s golden Challenge Cup to Daniil Medvedev became simply too distasteful to bear. Traditionally, the Championships have been a stubbornly apolitical realm. That was until a possibility emerged that the future Queen could mark the centenary of Centre Court by glorifying a Russian player whose country is waging a war of annihilation against a sovereign neighbour. It was not merely unpalatable, but unthinkable....'
Svitolina discussing possibility of exemptions with Radio 5 live, 4 minute interview worth a listen.
Millman doubling down on his bizarre focus on money.
That Telegraph article does go on to ask a key question (similar to the '...and then what?' part of this thread's title).
Namely when you set this precedent where does it end?
Quite a few people also remarking on the fact that Novak was among the first to stand up for the players being affected when in contrast so few stood up for him in his hour of need in Australia.
Namely when you set this precedent where does it end?
Quite a few people also remarking on the fact that Novak was among the first to stand up for the players being affected when in contrast so few stood up for him in his hour of need in Australia.
https://twitter.com/CoruscaKhaya/status/1517160938712952832/photo/1
at the Kate Middleton stuff
I'm now pro this ban, since I read it had pissed off the Kreml, but still
at the Kate Middleton stuffI'm now pro this ban, since I read it had pissed off the Kreml, but still
https://twitter.com/DLF_Sport/status/1517456683873751040
according to this, Italian government doesn't want Russians and Belarussians to play Rome.
according to this, Italian government doesn't want Russians and Belarussians to play Rome.
Looking legit. Tennisnet reports there's threefold pressure
(1) Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, who has repeatedly condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine, is determined to use all his influence to ban Russian and Belarusian professionals.
(2) The President of Italy's Olympic Committee (CONI), Giovanni Malago, advocates a ban which he says is in line with the IOC's decision on individual sports.
(3) Secretary of State for Sport Valentina Vezzali stressed that Italy stands by Ukrainian athletes and adheres to the decisions of the IOC and international federations.
Were this to play out would put the French in an interesting spot, sandwiched between Rome and the comprehensively Russian/Belarusian free Uk season.
(1) Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, who has repeatedly condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine, is determined to use all his influence to ban Russian and Belarusian professionals.
(2) The President of Italy's Olympic Committee (CONI), Giovanni Malago, advocates a ban which he says is in line with the IOC's decision on individual sports.
(3) Secretary of State for Sport Valentina Vezzali stressed that Italy stands by Ukrainian athletes and adheres to the decisions of the IOC and international federations.
Were this to play out would put the French in an interesting spot, sandwiched between Rome and the comprehensively Russian/Belarusian free Uk season.
good info, thanks. those are some big names.
all ova for the Russians
chocolate teapots spring to mind, it serves zero purpose, I think they were looking for brownie points and are probably bamboozled by the backlash though I hear Murray will come out and support it. Ridiculous, you'd understand if like Karjakin the Russian chess player who was banned by FIDE, they all came out and supported the war but they don't. Svitolina and Kostyuk are living in cloud cuckoo land and are sweetly naive, journalists, reporters and politicians alike who oppose the Kremlin usually end up brown bread and fairly quickly, and they're asking Russian players to publicly condemn Putin lol, turkey's voting for Christmas.
I don't think the west are particularly bothered about the Ukraine invasion, what they've done so far in terms of real support amounts to not much more than lip service, that big galoot Boris thought flying to Kiev would save his bacon back home, if it were Sweden or a Poland for example they'd be rolling up their sleeves with a serious counter punch NATO country or not. Putin knows this so they're safe.
What Wimbledon is teaching us is that it's OK to punish people who have done nothing wrong, it's virtue signalling at it's very worst, they probably all made the decision whilst sipping Gin and Dubonnet in the 'Gatsby Club'. I'd sue them for loss of earnings, though being a private club they're probably on safe grounds.
I'll miss Daria soft hands Kasatkina, pavs and her wide hips who always looks nice in white and Kalinskaya, who's a BTEC Kournikova, but still, not bothered about the rest.
Kind Regards.
chocolate teapots spring to mind, it serves zero purpose, I think they were looking for brownie points and are probably bamboozled by the backlash though I hear Murray will come out and support it. Ridiculous, you'd understand if like Karjakin the Russian chess player who was banned by FIDE, they all came out and supported the war but they don't. Svitolina and Kostyuk are living in cloud cuckoo land and are sweetly naive, journalists, reporters and politicians alike who oppose the Kremlin usually end up brown bread and fairly quickly, and they're asking Russian players to publicly condemn Putin lol, turkey's voting for Christmas.
I don't think the west are particularly bothered about the Ukraine invasion, what they've done so far in terms of real support amounts to not much more than lip service, that big galoot Boris thought flying to Kiev would save his bacon back home, if it were Sweden or a Poland for example they'd be rolling up their sleeves with a serious counter punch NATO country or not. Putin knows this so they're safe.
What Wimbledon is teaching us is that it's OK to punish people who have done nothing wrong, it's virtue signalling at it's very worst, they probably all made the decision whilst sipping Gin and Dubonnet in the 'Gatsby Club'. I'd sue them for loss of earnings, though being a private club they're probably on safe grounds.
I'll miss Daria soft hands Kasatkina, pavs and her wide hips who always looks nice in white and Kalinskaya, who's a BTEC Kournikova, but still, not bothered about the rest.
Kind Regards.
All England Club chairman Ian Hewitt has provided a bit more clarification at Wimbledon’s spring media briefing.
It would appear the Svitolina model for exemptions for certain players is off the table.
Also though Kate Middleton isn't referred to directly it's pretty clear that the optics of the Duchess being put in a potentially awkward position were a factor.
Source - zetabizu
We have considered at length the options available within the scope of this clear government position. There are in effect two options: declining entries or allowing entries but only with specific written declarations from individual players.
“We considered a wide variety of factors, including player safety, humanitarian efforts to support in the conflict, and the response of other sports in seeking to limit Russia’s influence. After lengthy and careful consideration we came to two firm conclusions that have formed the basis for our decision; first, even if we were to accept entries from Russian and Belarusian players with written declarations, we would risk their success of participation at Wimbledon being used to benefit the propaganda machine of the Russian regime, which we could not accept.
“Second, we have a duty to ensure that no actions we take should put the safeties of players or their families at risk.
It would appear the Svitolina model for exemptions for certain players is off the table.
Also though Kate Middleton isn't referred to directly it's pretty clear that the optics of the Duchess being put in a potentially awkward position were a factor.
Source - zetabizu
We have considered at length the options available within the scope of this clear government position. There are in effect two options: declining entries or allowing entries but only with specific written declarations from individual players.
“We considered a wide variety of factors, including player safety, humanitarian efforts to support in the conflict, and the response of other sports in seeking to limit Russia’s influence. After lengthy and careful consideration we came to two firm conclusions that have formed the basis for our decision; first, even if we were to accept entries from Russian and Belarusian players with written declarations, we would risk their success of participation at Wimbledon being used to benefit the propaganda machine of the Russian regime, which we could not accept.
“Second, we have a duty to ensure that no actions we take should put the safeties of players or their families at risk.
The "Svitolina model" was dumb, so good they didn't go for that.
Virtually signalling bollocks from the All England Club.
Basically saying some wars are more illegal than others.
No Yanks were banned for the invasion of Iraq.
Basically saying some wars are more illegal than others.
No Yanks were banned for the invasion of Iraq.
Some waffle reading that statement from the AEC.
Only reason Russia where kicked out of the World Cup was because teams were refusing to play them, Sweden and Poland, with backing from other FA's. FIFA had no intention of kicking them out, they were forced to.
There are no tennis players refusing to play Russian and Belorussian's - they've been playing them all season already, it doesn't wash.
As if Putin gives a monkey's about Wimbledon lol, he wouldn't bother to use them as propaganda and even if he did it literally would have no effect on anyone's thinking, people always get their news from the sources that reflect their own pattern of thinking anyway, you're left wing you'll read the Mirror or the Guardian, you're right wing you'll listen to talkradio or chant Tommy Robinson's name in your sleep, and if you're neither you'll buy the Daily Star for the lovely bright pictures.
It'll also have zero effect on whatever is happening in Ukraine which means it's massively disproportionate action. Taking the world number 1 out of the tournament devalues it, same as Australia without Novak. The word discrimination is often overused but this is a blatant case of;.
Only reason Russia where kicked out of the World Cup was because teams were refusing to play them, Sweden and Poland, with backing from other FA's. FIFA had no intention of kicking them out, they were forced to.
There are no tennis players refusing to play Russian and Belorussian's - they've been playing them all season already, it doesn't wash.
As if Putin gives a monkey's about Wimbledon lol, he wouldn't bother to use them as propaganda and even if he did it literally would have no effect on anyone's thinking, people always get their news from the sources that reflect their own pattern of thinking anyway, you're left wing you'll read the Mirror or the Guardian, you're right wing you'll listen to talkradio or chant Tommy Robinson's name in your sleep, and if you're neither you'll buy the Daily Star for the lovely bright pictures.
It'll also have zero effect on whatever is happening in Ukraine which means it's massively disproportionate action. Taking the world number 1 out of the tournament devalues it, same as Australia without Novak. The word discrimination is often overused but this is a blatant case of;.
I think it's easy to underestimate the influence of Marta Kostyuk on adjusting the background climate back in March when these discussions would have been getting underway.
Firstly at the start of March she pushed for the WTA to recognise Russians as neutrals and pull tournaments out of Russia.
Then in Indian Wells she made key comments that shattered the fantasy that all was well between the Ukrainian and Russian players, said that it hurt her arriving at events and seeing Russian players, that none of the Russians had apologised or said they didn't support the war and that all the Russian players cared about was not being able to make money transfers.
Even then she was implying a ban. ”I will be concise: look at other sports. Look what they decided. That’s all.”
I have to say I think she has come across as an 'authentic voice' and there was a trickle effect with the media picking up on her interjections as (at that time) the squeakiest wheel amongst the Ukrainian players although others have now picked up the baton.
At the weekend she Rt'd an Illya Marchenko video which is worth a watch as it breaks down the Wimbledon ban from an Ukrainian perspective. (eg I found it helpful in understanding why they viewed Rublev's 'no war please' message as disingenious.)
Firstly at the start of March she pushed for the WTA to recognise Russians as neutrals and pull tournaments out of Russia.
Then in Indian Wells she made key comments that shattered the fantasy that all was well between the Ukrainian and Russian players, said that it hurt her arriving at events and seeing Russian players, that none of the Russians had apologised or said they didn't support the war and that all the Russian players cared about was not being able to make money transfers.
Even then she was implying a ban. ”I will be concise: look at other sports. Look what they decided. That’s all.”
I have to say I think she has come across as an 'authentic voice' and there was a trickle effect with the media picking up on her interjections as (at that time) the squeakiest wheel amongst the Ukrainian players although others have now picked up the baton.
At the weekend she Rt'd an Illya Marchenko video which is worth a watch as it breaks down the Wimbledon ban from an Ukrainian perspective. (eg I found it helpful in understanding why they viewed Rublev's 'no war please' message as disingenious.)
This is the link to the Illya Marchenko video. Even if you disagree with the ban it's worth ten minutes as it gives a real insight into the way that Illya and the Ukrainian players see all this.
Don't get put off by his presentation style which is really like Arnold Schwarzenegger's 'Dear Trump' videos!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kcx8L-fIZ_k
Don't get put off by his presentation style which is really like Arnold Schwarzenegger's 'Dear Trump' videos!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kcx8L-fIZ_k
he looks like Xabi Alonso.
the thing is this, if every Russian tennis player came out and opposed the war, and the Russian people's support dwindled because of it, it's not going to stop Russia in Ukraine, they already have over a million military personnel and more in reserve who would not decline a call up knowing the consequences. Russia's state media will spin it to say the players are influenced by Western media creating a siege mentality, like they've done already with Wimbledon banning the players, the west are picking on us again. Putin's not going to turn his tanks around because a few tennis players have been banned regardless of any subsequent declining support, he's pined after the former USSR for the last 30 years, wont stop at anything.
if Medvedev would have won Wimbledon, it wouldn't have any tangible affect on the the situation in Ukraine at all, I think Marchenko was downplaying the fear factor too much citing seemingly little know Russian celebs who've opposed the war, sports stars are indeed like Rock stars in Russia, they have to be far more careful for them and their families back home, I'm also not sure how No War messages can be misinterpreted, a war was started, Rublev said No War straight away, I don't think he meant that he wanted Ukraine to give up protected themselves, that's spin on the Ukrainian's side, understandably so.
This is why it's completely disproportionate action, because whether the Russian players are there or not, the Russian state propaganda will spin it regardless in their favour as they have done, so really all it does it deny honest players who've earned the right to be there, points, prize money and in Medvedev's case, a chance to win a slam.
the thing is this, if every Russian tennis player came out and opposed the war, and the Russian people's support dwindled because of it, it's not going to stop Russia in Ukraine, they already have over a million military personnel and more in reserve who would not decline a call up knowing the consequences. Russia's state media will spin it to say the players are influenced by Western media creating a siege mentality, like they've done already with Wimbledon banning the players, the west are picking on us again. Putin's not going to turn his tanks around because a few tennis players have been banned regardless of any subsequent declining support, he's pined after the former USSR for the last 30 years, wont stop at anything.
if Medvedev would have won Wimbledon, it wouldn't have any tangible affect on the the situation in Ukraine at all, I think Marchenko was downplaying the fear factor too much citing seemingly little know Russian celebs who've opposed the war, sports stars are indeed like Rock stars in Russia, they have to be far more careful for them and their families back home, I'm also not sure how No War messages can be misinterpreted, a war was started, Rublev said No War straight away, I don't think he meant that he wanted Ukraine to give up protected themselves, that's spin on the Ukrainian's side, understandably so.
This is why it's completely disproportionate action, because whether the Russian players are there or not, the Russian state propaganda will spin it regardless in their favour as they have done, so really all it does it deny honest players who've earned the right to be there, points, prize money and in Medvedev's case, a chance to win a slam.
I think with the No War messages it's pretty obvious to us what they mean, but to brainwashed Russians, it might not. I'm not saying this is without risk, but that's why Marchenko didn't think No War was good enough from what I understand.
If more tournaments follow suit, I wonder if we'll see Rublev (KAZ) and Kasatkina (AUS) at tennis tournaments soon.
Ben Rothenberg @BenRothenberg
Despite reports of a Wimbledonesque ban of Russian and Belarusian players being imminent at ATP/WTA Rome, there is no indication such a ban will take place here.
There are plenty of players from both those countries already on practice schedule here.
Draw will be made today.
Despite reports of a Wimbledonesque ban of Russian and Belarusian players being imminent at ATP/WTA Rome, there is no indication such a ban will take place here.
There are plenty of players from both those countries already on practice schedule here.
Draw will be made today.
Mike Dickson
@Mike_Dickson_DM
·
25m
No stripping of points for Queen's and Eastbourne, say the ATP. Wimbledon remains under review.
@Mike_Dickson_DM
·
25m
No stripping of points for Queen's and Eastbourne, say the ATP. Wimbledon remains under review.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-10826541/Wimbledon-set-stripped-ranking-points-women-banning-Russian-players.html
,
,
Coming 24 hours after Mikhail Khodaryonok gave an open criticism of the war in Ukraine on Russian State TV, admitting to international isolation, surely the stripping of ranking points from Wimbledon would used as a counter to that?
The idea that sport and politics can be kept separate at this point is naive.
The idea that sport and politics can be kept separate at this point is naive.
Andrew Castle voiced a strong take on the ATP.
The former British Number 1 says (Source - Metro)
'We have a family from Mariupol living with us. They have lost their home, their future, their assets and any sense of safety and security.../.. Their city is obliterated and the mother, a lawyer with a degree in psychology, checks each day the lists of the living and the dead .../... Her father-in-law is in Mariupol. She thinks he is underground. Her husband, the father of her 13-year-old daughter, remains in Ukraine at the service of his government.
If the ATP punishes Wimbledon, stripping it of ranking points for taking a stand against the perpetrators of the horrors we have read about and she has borne witness to, (the ATP) should suffer reputational damage and commercial penalties. What business would want to associate with a governing body that has taken such a position?
Of course it is unfair on players like Daniil Medvedev and Aryna Sabalenka but inaction against Putin has led to a different type of unfairness. Ponder the silence of the dead women and children underneath the historic theatre of Mariupol.'
The former British Number 1 says (Source - Metro)
'We have a family from Mariupol living with us. They have lost their home, their future, their assets and any sense of safety and security.../.. Their city is obliterated and the mother, a lawyer with a degree in psychology, checks each day the lists of the living and the dead .../... Her father-in-law is in Mariupol. She thinks he is underground. Her husband, the father of her 13-year-old daughter, remains in Ukraine at the service of his government.
If the ATP punishes Wimbledon, stripping it of ranking points for taking a stand against the perpetrators of the horrors we have read about and she has borne witness to, (the ATP) should suffer reputational damage and commercial penalties. What business would want to associate with a governing body that has taken such a position?
Of course it is unfair on players like Daniil Medvedev and Aryna Sabalenka but inaction against Putin has led to a different type of unfairness. Ponder the silence of the dead women and children underneath the historic theatre of Mariupol.'
Decision finally made, with a caveat to presumably try to strong-arm Wimbledon into caving in.
"Wimbledon was stripped of world ranking points on Friday after the ATP and WTA decided to effectively render the championships as an exhibition event on the men’s and women’s tours.../.. The ability for players of any nationality to enter tournaments based on merit and without discrimination is fundamental to our tour," an ATP statement read The decision by Wimbledon to ban Russian and Belarusian players from competing in the UK this summer undermines this principle and the integrity of the ATP ranking system. It is also inconsistent with our rankings agreement"
Absent a change in circumstances, it is with great regret and reluctance that we see no option but to remove ATP ranking points from Wimbledon for 2022" Source- The Times
"Wimbledon was stripped of world ranking points on Friday after the ATP and WTA decided to effectively render the championships as an exhibition event on the men’s and women’s tours.../.. The ability for players of any nationality to enter tournaments based on merit and without discrimination is fundamental to our tour," an ATP statement read The decision by Wimbledon to ban Russian and Belarusian players from competing in the UK this summer undermines this principle and the integrity of the ATP ranking system. It is also inconsistent with our rankings agreement"
Absent a change in circumstances, it is with great regret and reluctance that we see no option but to remove ATP ranking points from Wimbledon for 2022" Source- The Times
Something doesn't become an exhibition just because it doesn't get ranking points from ATP/WTA. Especially not if we are talking about ITF run events like Wimbledon or UTR events.
The All England Club responds.
STATEMENT REGARDING ATP / WTA / ITF RANKING POINTS AT THE CHAMPIONSHIPS
On behalf of the All England Club and the Committee of Management of The Championships, we write in response to the decisions taken by the ATP, WTA and ITF Boards to remove ATP, WTA and ITF ranking points for The Championships 2022.
We appreciate that opinions differ in relation to our decision to decline entries from Russian and Belarusian players to The Championships this year, and we deeply regret the impact of this decision on the individuals affected.
However, given the position taken by the UK Government to limit Russia's global influence, which removed automatic entry by ranking, and the widespread response of Government, industry, sport and creative institutions, we remain of the view that we have made the only viable decision for Wimbledon as a globally renowned sporting event and British institution, and we stand by the decision we have made.
As we have previously stated, after careful consideration against a variety of factors, and bound to act in accordance with the directive guidance from the UK Government, we came to two firm conclusions that formed the basis for this decision.
We were not prepared to take any actions which could risk the personal safety of players, or their families. We believe that requiring written declarations from individual players – and that would apply to all relevant players – as a condition of entry in the high-profile circumstances of Wimbledon would carry significant scrutiny and risk.
In addition, we remain unwilling to accept success or participation at Wimbledon being used to benefit the propaganda machine of the Russian regime, which, through its closely controlled State media, has an acknowledged history of using sporting success to support a triumphant narrative to the Russian people.
We therefore wish to state our deep disappointment at the decisions taken by the ATP, WTA and ITF in removing ranking points for The Championships. We believe these decisions to be disproportionate in the context of the exceptional and extreme circumstances of this situation and the position we found ourselves in, and damaging to all players who compete on Tour.
We are considering our options, and we are reserving our position at this stage. We are also in discussion with our Grand Slam colleagues.
In the meantime, we remain focused on our exciting plans for The Championships this year.
STATEMENT REGARDING ATP / WTA / ITF RANKING POINTS AT THE CHAMPIONSHIPS
On behalf of the All England Club and the Committee of Management of The Championships, we write in response to the decisions taken by the ATP, WTA and ITF Boards to remove ATP, WTA and ITF ranking points for The Championships 2022.
We appreciate that opinions differ in relation to our decision to decline entries from Russian and Belarusian players to The Championships this year, and we deeply regret the impact of this decision on the individuals affected.
However, given the position taken by the UK Government to limit Russia's global influence, which removed automatic entry by ranking, and the widespread response of Government, industry, sport and creative institutions, we remain of the view that we have made the only viable decision for Wimbledon as a globally renowned sporting event and British institution, and we stand by the decision we have made.
As we have previously stated, after careful consideration against a variety of factors, and bound to act in accordance with the directive guidance from the UK Government, we came to two firm conclusions that formed the basis for this decision.
We were not prepared to take any actions which could risk the personal safety of players, or their families. We believe that requiring written declarations from individual players – and that would apply to all relevant players – as a condition of entry in the high-profile circumstances of Wimbledon would carry significant scrutiny and risk.
In addition, we remain unwilling to accept success or participation at Wimbledon being used to benefit the propaganda machine of the Russian regime, which, through its closely controlled State media, has an acknowledged history of using sporting success to support a triumphant narrative to the Russian people.
We therefore wish to state our deep disappointment at the decisions taken by the ATP, WTA and ITF in removing ranking points for The Championships. We believe these decisions to be disproportionate in the context of the exceptional and extreme circumstances of this situation and the position we found ourselves in, and damaging to all players who compete on Tour.
We are considering our options, and we are reserving our position at this stage. We are also in discussion with our Grand Slam colleagues.
In the meantime, we remain focused on our exciting plans for The Championships this year.
Just reading back my 22:29 post. For the sake of clarity the first line is The Times' editorial.
The ATP statement itself starts at 'The ability for players of any nationality ...'
The Ukranian players have weighed in already.
Thank you @wta and @atptour for being headliners of Russian support and news today
Marta Kostyuk
There is a reason Wimbledon is probably the most known tennis competition. Points or no points, there are things way bigger than tennis and in these hard times, Wimbledon is on the right side and will stay with its perfect reputation
As for the rest, it’s their choice
Alex Dolgopolov retweeted by Svitolina
The ATP statement itself starts at 'The ability for players of any nationality ...'
The Ukranian players have weighed in already.
Thank you @wta and @atptour for being headliners of Russian support and news today
Marta Kostyuk
There is a reason Wimbledon is probably the most known tennis competition. Points or no points, there are things way bigger than tennis and in these hard times, Wimbledon is on the right side and will stay with its perfect reputation
As for the rest, it’s their choice
Alex Dolgopolov retweeted by Svitolina
There are two things that interest me here.
1 - The ATP's statement about Queens and Eastbourne used exactly the same language but didn't strip points. Why?
Following extensive consultation with the Player Council and Tournament Council, the ATP board has confirmed that this season’s ATP Tour events in Queen’s and Eastbourne will proceed as normal, offering full ATP ranking points,” a statement said. “LTA’s decision to ban Russian and Belarusian athletes is however contrary to ATP rules and undermines the ability for players of any nationality to enter tournaments based on merit and without discrimination. Source - Firstsportz, May 16th 2022
2 - The second last line of the Wimbledon response smacks of a veiled threat. Where are they going with this.
I'm guessing the jarringly upbeat last line about 'exciting plans' means Sir Cliff will be getting hauled out to do a turn.
1 - The ATP's statement about Queens and Eastbourne used exactly the same language but didn't strip points. Why?
Following extensive consultation with the Player Council and Tournament Council, the ATP board has confirmed that this season’s ATP Tour events in Queen’s and Eastbourne will proceed as normal, offering full ATP ranking points,” a statement said. “LTA’s decision to ban Russian and Belarusian athletes is however contrary to ATP rules and undermines the ability for players of any nationality to enter tournaments based on merit and without discrimination. Source - Firstsportz, May 16th 2022
2 - The second last line of the Wimbledon response smacks of a veiled threat. Where are they going with this.
I'm guessing the jarringly upbeat last line about 'exciting plans' means Sir Cliff will be getting hauled out to do a turn.
Stripping points seems to be an act of cutting your nose to spite your face, it literally serves no purpose unless it's a roundabout way in which the tour are encouraging players to boycott Wimbledon rather than canvassing players to do so instead, Osaka has already hinted she might not play but that's no loss. As long as the big guns are there, your Novak's, Nadal's, Murray's, Halep's, Swiatek's etc, even if the rest of the field is diluted it wont have much affect on the tournament from an optics or presitge point of view.
It's ironic Castle talks about reputational damage to the ATP, it's the other way round considering no other slam seems to be following suit either, and the regular tour tournaments are allowing Russians/Belorussian's too, so it just looks like AELTC is just being stubborn and pompous hiding behind government guidelines and making political statements they don't need to make, Downing streets itself has been fined well over 100 times in breaches of lockdown rules, do and I say and not a I do.
I'd be panicking if I were at the All England club, because they were very quick to declare 2020 as a non event because they knew they were insured against all loses, you can guarantee they'd have bent over backwards to put that tournament on if they weren't, somehow I don't think there insured against boycott if it were to happen, they could loses 10's of millions.
It's ironic Castle talks about reputational damage to the ATP, it's the other way round considering no other slam seems to be following suit either, and the regular tour tournaments are allowing Russians/Belorussian's too, so it just looks like AELTC is just being stubborn and pompous hiding behind government guidelines and making political statements they don't need to make, Downing streets itself has been fined well over 100 times in breaches of lockdown rules, do and I say and not a I do.
I'd be panicking if I were at the All England club, because they were very quick to declare 2020 as a non event because they knew they were insured against all loses, you can guarantee they'd have bent over backwards to put that tournament on if they weren't, somehow I don't think there insured against boycott if it were to happen, they could loses 10's of millions.
Osaka is the most famous female active tennis player so it would be getting headlines and some perceived lost prestige if she were to withdraw, but I don't see it happening and even if it did I don't see other players doing the same.
Osaka's never won more than 2 matches in a row at Wimbledon, just like being KO'd out yesterday nobody batted an eyelid as it's expected and she's not missed, she hasn't been relevant for some time in general and is only good for hardcourts, she is the most well know player but that doesn't really equate to popularity, it's mostly just 2 countries where most of her support/social media presence stems from. Whereas if a former winner in Halep or the current world number 1 Swiatek were to pull it'd have much more weight and would be more damaging for Wimbledon, but even those two pale into insignificance compare to Nadal and Novak, if one of those pulled out then we're talking, but they wont because ranking points and prize money is no where near as important as the title itself given the slam race they're in and the little time left both have on the clock. I'd imagine a lot of other players beneath them would rather pull out but for personal sponsorship reasons/pressures, I doubt they would. The bottom line for me is whether they're there or not it would literally have zero effect or impact whatsoever on the direction of travel that Putin is on in Ukraine, the Russian media may wet their knickers over a Russian winning Wimbledon but it would have no effect on war so it's a pretty pointless act.
I have only just realised, thanks to Benoit Paire, that if there are no ranking points on offer at Wimbledon, then Medvedev would become World Number 1 thanks to Novak losing 2000 points lol, creating a Russian world Number 1 through the backdoor would completely defeat the purpose of Russians being banned, well, the next best thing to winning it.
Reuters Sports @ReutersSports
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Kiev-born Marta Kostyuk criticised the WTA players' council on Tuesday for failing to consult Ukrainian players on the decision to strip Wimbledon of ranking points, and branded Belarusian Victoria Azarenka's place among the council members "ridiculous".
·3m
Kiev-born Marta Kostyuk criticised the WTA players' council on Tuesday for failing to consult Ukrainian players on the decision to strip Wimbledon of ranking points, and branded Belarusian Victoria Azarenka's place among the council members "ridiculous".
the whole article:
https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/exclusive-tennis-its-like-we-do-not-exist-says-ukrainian-kostyuk-2022-05-24/
,
https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/exclusive-tennis-its-like-we-do-not-exist-says-ukrainian-kostyuk-2022-05-24/
,
https://twitter.com/stu_fraser/status/1529384356459995139
As the world ranking points row intensifies, Wimbledon organisers are exploring the possibility of legal action against the ATP and WTA tours. It is understood that the other grand slams could offer their support as a joint action.
As the world ranking points row intensifies, Wimbledon organisers are exploring the possibility of legal action against the ATP and WTA tours. It is understood that the other grand slams could offer their support as a joint action.
^
Sheds a bit of light on that eyecatching second last line of the Wimbledon response statement.
Meanwhile Muzza has hit back basically at Osaka's 'I just lost early in a slam again so let's get a soundbite in the papers' comments.
'I follow golf very closely and have no idea how many ranking points the winner of the Masters gets. Me and my friends love football and none of us know or care how many ranking points a team gets for winning the World Cup, but I could tell you exactly who won the World Cup and the Masters. I'd hazard a guess that most people watching on Centre Court at Wimbledon in a few weeks' time wouldn't know or care about how many ranking points a player gets for winning a third-round match.
But I guarantee they will remember who wins. Wimbledon will never be an exhibition and will never feel like an exhibition. The end.'
Sheds a bit of light on that eyecatching second last line of the Wimbledon response statement.
Meanwhile Muzza has hit back basically at Osaka's 'I just lost early in a slam again so let's get a soundbite in the papers' comments.
'I follow golf very closely and have no idea how many ranking points the winner of the Masters gets. Me and my friends love football and none of us know or care how many ranking points a team gets for winning the World Cup, but I could tell you exactly who won the World Cup and the Masters. I'd hazard a guess that most people watching on Centre Court at Wimbledon in a few weeks' time wouldn't know or care about how many ranking points a player gets for winning a third-round match.
But I guarantee they will remember who wins. Wimbledon will never be an exhibition and will never feel like an exhibition. The end.'
Wimbledon looking even more ridiculous now US Open won't be following suit.
yes, looking forward to seeing Tiger Tim and McEnroe going at it again
Vika talking about Marta and reaching out to UKR players
https://twitter.com/theoverrule/status/1565427125376765954
https://twitter.com/theoverrule/status/1565427125376765954
IOC just voted to allow Russian & Belarussian athletes at Olympics. So this means tennis players from these countries will play in Paris 2024, unless there's uproar amongst national olympic committees and this gets changed.
More pressure on Britain to let them play the Vimbledon?
Wimbledon will let them play this year there's no doubt about that, they're not going to take another 820 grand hit in fines and also because nobody else is doing it so they looked stupid and out of touch, especially stupid considering they banned Russians and as if you couldn't script it, a Russian went on to win it anyway and took the trophy back home to Moscow where she lives.
agree with the decision to allow them to play at the Olympics, the only one's that should be banned is any player that comes out and supports the war, other than that, makes no sense to ban them.
agree with the decision to allow them to play at the Olympics, the only one's that should be banned is any player that comes out and supports the war, other than that, makes no sense to ban them.
Looks like this kind of virtue signalling comes with a massive price tag.
Much cheaper just to take a knee.
Much cheaper just to take a knee.
article in the BBC about this.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/64446678
This stood out for me as I hadn't heard this before and sounds like a bigger blow to the LTA than having to worry about fines.
The stakes are even higher for the LTA. It was fined $750,000 (£608,355) by the Women's Tennis Association and $1m (£811,140) by the Association of Tennis Professionals for excluding the players from the tour events they operate at venues like The Queen's Club and Eastbourne.
That is a significant sum of money, even for a governing body which received £42.43m from Wimbledon last year. But of even greater concern, aside from the prospect of further fines, is the very explicit threat to the viability of the pre-Wimbledon tournaments.
Both tours have said they will cancel the LTA's membership if it exercises further "discrimination based on nationality".
That would mean no grass-court tour events in the UK in the run-up to Wimbledon. Queen's and Eastbourne could, in theory, continue as exhibitions but few would want to play, and the tournaments would almost certainly not take place.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/64446678
This stood out for me as I hadn't heard this before and sounds like a bigger blow to the LTA than having to worry about fines.
The stakes are even higher for the LTA. It was fined $750,000 (£608,355) by the Women's Tennis Association and $1m (£811,140) by the Association of Tennis Professionals for excluding the players from the tour events they operate at venues like The Queen's Club and Eastbourne.
That is a significant sum of money, even for a governing body which received £42.43m from Wimbledon last year. But of even greater concern, aside from the prospect of further fines, is the very explicit threat to the viability of the pre-Wimbledon tournaments.
Both tours have said they will cancel the LTA's membership if it exercises further "discrimination based on nationality".
That would mean no grass-court tour events in the UK in the run-up to Wimbledon. Queen's and Eastbourne could, in theory, continue as exhibitions but few would want to play, and the tournaments would almost certainly not take place.
interesting. hopefully they'll back down and let everybody play
I hope not, but I think they will give in. Hard to continue to make a stand when no-one else backs you/follows your example, especially when it costs your tournament/organization both financially and in other ways.
Serves them right for allowing themselves to be sucked in by Boris's jingoistic virtue signalling nonsense.
Britain is the world champion of risk free virtue signalling like taking a knee & rainbow armbands.
This time it's come with an expensive price tag.
Britain is the world champion of risk free virtue signalling like taking a knee & rainbow armbands.
This time it's come with an expensive price tag.
Meanwhile Svitolina has been using her leverage as an Olympic medallist to plea for a ban of Russian athletes from the Olympics.
Gives Marta a little break. https://www.express.co.uk/sport/tennis/1729626/Ukrainian-Elina-Svitolina-Olympics-ban-Russia-Belarus-tennis-news
It will be interesting to see what reason Wimbledon and the LTA would give for allowing them back in
after the 'viability statement' from back in April 2022. As nothing has changed. The invasion is still underway.
Gives Marta a little break. https://www.express.co.uk/sport/tennis/1729626/Ukrainian-Elina-Svitolina-Olympics-ban-Russia-Belarus-tennis-news
It will be interesting to see what reason Wimbledon and the LTA would give for allowing them back in
after the 'viability statement' from back in April 2022. As nothing has changed. The invasion is still underway.
That's solidarity, stepping in for Marta when she is busy focusing on her first tour title 
I don't think she's unreasonable btw with the points she brings up. I had forgotten about her protests that lead to Russians playing under neutral flag. In those she never asked for them to be banned from altogether but now for the Olympics she think they should be banned. I see people are hating on her for this on twitter, but I think she's coming across so much better than her younger compatriot.
As for Wimbledon/LTA, well it will be the stripping of points, fines and threats about having their memberships with the tours taken away (in general the lack of support from the rest of the tennis establishment) that would cause them to cave in, but they will not give that as reason. As you say, will be interesting to see what they say.
I don't think she's unreasonable btw with the points she brings up. I had forgotten about her protests that lead to Russians playing under neutral flag. In those she never asked for them to be banned from altogether but now for the Olympics she think they should be banned. I see people are hating on her for this on twitter, but I think she's coming across so much better than her younger compatriot.
As for Wimbledon/LTA, well it will be the stripping of points, fines and threats about having their memberships with the tours taken away (in general the lack of support from the rest of the tennis establishment) that would cause them to cave in, but they will not give that as reason. As you say, will be interesting to see what they say.
As for Wimbledon/LTA, well it will be the stripping of points, fines and threats about having their memberships with the tours taken away (in general the lack of support from the rest of the tennis establishment) that would cause them to cave in, but they will not give that as reason. As you say, will be interesting to see what they say.
Here's the thing. Everyone knows these would be the reasons.
So maybe best to just tell the truth as everybody knows anyway. In some ways it's better than delivering something fictional to a smirking press pack.
Making it clear that they still believe the Russians should not be there while the invasion is ongoing.
Making it clear they would prefer that they stay away but are allowing them to be present under the weight of forces that are literally threatening the existence of the LTA.
When in doubt, go with the truth
Here's the thing. Everyone knows these would be the reasons.
So maybe best to just tell the truth as everybody knows anyway. In some ways it's better than delivering something fictional to a smirking press pack.
Making it clear that they still believe the Russians should not be there while the invasion is ongoing.
Making it clear they would prefer that they stay away but are allowing them to be present under the weight of forces that are literally threatening the existence of the LTA.
When in doubt, go with the truth
had literally no idea she was pregnant let alone gave birth, thought she took time off because she couldn't focus with the invasion
Feb 2, 2023 -- 4:25PM, Journeyman wrote:
As for Wimbledon/LTA, well it will be the stripping of points, fines and threats about having their memberships with the tours taken away (in general the lack of support from the rest of the tennis establishment) that would cause them to cave in, but they will not give that as reason. As you say, will be interesting to see what they say.Here's the thing. Everyone knows these would be the reasons.So maybe best to just tell the truth as everybody knows anyway. In some ways it's better than delivering something fictional to a smirking press pack.Making it clear that they still believe the Russians should not be there while the invasion is ongoing.Making it clear they would prefer that they stay away but are allowing them to be present under the weight of forces that are literally threatening the existence of the LTA.When in doubt, go with the truth
I like this, but I think it could be seen as them throwing the other Slams (and also WTA/ATP) under the bus and they will probably not want to do that, as they want to show a united front with them, see how they all handled the Osaka press conference debacle for instance.
Not that have on this, but at least they haven't brought their difference of opinion out in the open.
think you might be forgetting they banned the players by hiding behind 'government guidance' which they said made it impossible to let them play, don't see how they can wriggle out of that other than to admit defeat and bow to pressure due to financial reasons, I'm surprised people would not want them to play, do not see any benefit to the ban whatsoever, it punishes innocent people, punishes fans of these players wanted to see them play, would deny former slam winners from competing subsequently diminishing the value of the tournament and has literally zero bearing on the war on Ukraine, a Russian player could win every slam or be banned from playing tennis altogether and the direction of travel that the war is currently taking would not change one iota, this is the fundamental point. Putin is a demented old man who has yearned for return of the Soviet Union ever since it's collapse 30 odd years ago, he'll stop at nothing, tennis players being banned is completely irrelevant to him, over 100,000 Russian soldiers have already died, can't put toothpaste back into a tube, denying Russian and Belorussians entry into the most prestigious event on the calendar would be just to create more casualties albeit in a sporting sense, what is the point, Svitolina and Kostyuk opinions are based soley off of the back of raw emotion which sounds patronising and condescending, but it is true, I have no vested interest as a neutral and most neutrals from what I can see, do not want them banned either, there have been no protests enmasse at the US Open or in Australia, which is the long and short of it. Kind Regards.
excluding the russian and belarusan players is a disgrace. one of the mens top 3 players and several top women players could be excluded again. 2023 Aus winner and remember Rybakina (2022 Wimb championa and 2023 Aus RU) represented russia untill 2018.........Azarenka reached the 2023 Aus semi final. I have no idea how the wimbledon guys came to this decision other than being told by Boris to exclude them.
with Novak potentially missing the 2023 USO, tennis cannot afford to decide to again exclude many top players from a major event.
with Novak potentially missing the 2023 USO, tennis cannot afford to decide to again exclude many top players from a major event.
Zelensky doesn't want Russians & Belarussians to compete at the Olympics.
https://apnews.com/article/zelenskyy-politics-sports-united-kingdom-government-london-9191e4e4bb28e1753b740a6b840c3f14
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I know this isn't about Wimbledon, but I would like to think this goes under the "and then what?" part.
https://apnews.com/article/zelenskyy-politics-sports-united-kingdom-government-london-9191e4e4bb28e1753b740a6b840c3f14
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I know this isn't about Wimbledon, but I would like to think this goes under the "and then what?" part.
34 countries, mostly European, wants IOC's ban on Russia and Belarussia to remain.
UK's statement.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/statement-on-russias-war-on-ukraine-and-international-sport/statement-on-russias-war-on-ukraine-and-international-sport
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UK's statement.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/statement-on-russias-war-on-ukraine-and-international-sport/statement-on-russias-war-on-ukraine-and-international-sport
,
Surely that's the joint statement not the UK's statement unless I'm misreading it.
When Sabalenka won the Australian Open her reply to a question about the playing under neutral flags requirement got a lot of attention, ie saying everyone knew who she ws playing for anyway.
I wondered if that had any effect on a slight shift away from being okay with playing under neutral flags by eg Svitolina. It's impossible to really know.
That statement is interesting in its emphasis on a close link between politics and sport. That seems to be where differences of opinion really arise. Are the two inseperable.
When Sabalenka won the Australian Open her reply to a question about the playing under neutral flags requirement got a lot of attention, ie saying everyone knew who she ws playing for anyway.
I wondered if that had any effect on a slight shift away from being okay with playing under neutral flags by eg Svitolina. It's impossible to really know.
That statement is interesting in its emphasis on a close link between politics and sport. That seems to be where differences of opinion really arise. Are the two inseperable.
it probably is, I just posted one of the links :)
I don't think Sabalenka's comments have made any difference.
I haven't seen opinion change about them being allowed on tour or not, even from Svitolina unless I've missed something.
This is about the about the Olympics, where there is a far stronger link between sports and politics, and this debate has risen now when the IOC decided to unlift their ban on Russians and Belarussians.
I don't think Sabalenka's comments have made any difference.
I haven't seen opinion change about them being allowed on tour or not, even from Svitolina unless I've missed something.
This is about the about the Olympics, where there is a far stronger link between sports and politics, and this debate has risen now when the IOC decided to unlift their ban on Russians and Belarussians.
This is about the about the Olympics
Svitolina gave her interview pushing for an Olympic ban to the Associated Press just over a week after the Australian Open final.
Svitolina gave her interview pushing for an Olympic ban to the Associated Press just over a week after the Australian Open final.
IOC's unlifting came on Jan 25th
Sabalenka won AO on Jan 28th
Svitolina's tweet protesting the unlifting of the ban came Feb 1st.
Only Svito will know if Saba's comments had anything to do with it. (I would think not since Svito only mentions Olympics and hasn't called for a ban on tour as far as I know)
Sabalenka won AO on Jan 28th
Svitolina's tweet protesting the unlifting of the ban came Feb 1st.
Only Svito will know if Saba's comments had anything to do with it. (I would think not since Svito only mentions Olympics and hasn't called for a ban on tour as far as I know)
"This is about the about the Olympics" refers to that statement.
whereas Sabalenka's comments was about playing under a neutral flag in Melbourne, and supposedly in general.
Yes of course the news about the IOC planning to allow participation is a bigger deal than Sabalenka's comments. 
But I don't agree her comments made no difference. Every element can make a difference.
Rublev's writing 'No war please' on the camera lens caused rage among the Ukrainian tennis twitter at the time and since.
But I don't agree her comments made no difference. Every element can make a difference.
Rublev's writing 'No war please' on the camera lens caused rage among the Ukrainian tennis twitter at the time and since.
To be fair it might be time for me ro unfollow Marta Kostyuk's twitter account for a while
Andy Murray saying its his 'understanding' they'll be allowed to play at wimbledon.
No official decidion yet but it's reasonable to think the UK number 1 has a bit of an ear to the ground on this.
'It's a really difficult one and I do feel for the players who weren't able to play last year but I also understand the situation and why it's really hard for Wimbledon to make a call on it as well.
My understanding is that they are going to be allowed to play and I'm not going to be going nuts if that is the case. But if Wimbledon went down another route I would be understanding of that.'
Source tennisuptodate.
No official decidion yet but it's reasonable to think the UK number 1 has a bit of an ear to the ground on this.
'It's a really difficult one and I do feel for the players who weren't able to play last year but I also understand the situation and why it's really hard for Wimbledon to make a call on it as well.
My understanding is that they are going to be allowed to play and I'm not going to be going nuts if that is the case. But if Wimbledon went down another route I would be understanding of that.'
Source tennisuptodate.
bit of a boring, diplomatic viewpoint from Murray, as said before, we've literally already had a Russian winning Wimbledon when they were supposed to be banned and then a Belorussian (who I tipped at 8/1) winning the another slam, they are just looking like dinosaurs and have had no backing from anyone bar a smattering of disgruntled middle of the road Ukrainian players.
) winning the another slam, they are just looking like dinosaurs and have had no backing from anyone bar a smattering of disgruntled middle of the road Ukrainian players.
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