Wimbledon poised to lift ban on Russian and Belarusian players after ATP expulsion threats – report

Wimbledon is primed to lift the ban on Russian and Belarusian players in the wake of British tennis being threatened with expulsion by the ATP, according to a report.

In response, the LTA issued a strongly-worded statement that accused the ATP of having a “surprising lack of empathy” for the situation in Ukraine and showing “a clear lack of understanding of the unique circumstances” concerning the decisions it had to make.

The LTA was reportedly fined $200,000 for each tournament ban within the ATP’s jurisdiction: Queen’s and Eastbourne, and Challenger events at Surbiton, Nottingham and Ilkley. However, it reportedly did not include Wimbledon, the tournament ban which made the biggest impact.

The Times report says the All England Club were concerned a Russian or Belarusian player could make a “political gesture supporting the invasion” – as seen by Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak, who wore a shirt with “Z” on it, a symbol of Russia’s invasion.

“The LTA is deeply disappointed with this,” read the statement from the LTA on Wednesday.

“The ATP, in its finding, has shown no recognition of the exceptional circumstances created by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, or the international sporting community and UK Government’s response to that invasion.

“The ATP appear to regard this matter as a straightforward breach of their rules – with a surprising lack of empathy shown for the situation in Ukraine, and a clear lack of understanding of the unique circumstances the LTA faced.”

The statement continued by noting the “material impact” that the fines would now have on the LTA’s ability to host tournaments and develop the sport in the UK.

“The financial impact of both this fine and the WTA’s fine will have a material impact on the LTA’s ability to develop and host tennis in this country,” it read.

“For example, we had intended to host a number of ATP Challenger level events to give more opportunities to lower ranked players in the first quarter of 2023 and will now not be able to do this, particularly given the possibility of further fines.

“We will carefully consider our response and we await the outcome of our appeal against the WTA’s decision and sanction.”

It is thought the biggest obstacle to the ban being lifted is resistance from the UK Government.