Wimbledon’s decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players from this year’s tournament ‘makes no sense,’ according to Victoria Azarenka.
The former world No.1 has hit out at officials at the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) over their move which has divided opinion within the sport. Earlier this year a joint-statement issued by the seven governing bodies outlined that players from those countries will still be allowed to play on the Tour but as neutral athletes as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine which began on February 24th. Belarus is suspected of supporting Russia in the war.
However, both Wimbledon and the British LTA have gone one step further by implementing a clear ban. Wimbledon said there is ‘no viable alternative’ after taking into account advice from their government. Both the ATP and WTA have criticized the decision with the two organizations set to discuss their possible response to the matter in the coming days.
WTA chief Steve Simon has previously hinted that his organization will take a ‘strong response’ to the ban which will be backed by two-time Australian Open champion Azarenka who also sits on the influential player council.
“If you are asking me if I agree with Wimbledon or I see their reasoning after being on a personal call with them, I don’t see their reasoning,” Azarenka told reporters following her 7-6(5), 6-3, win over Viktorija Golubic at the Madrid Open on Thursday.
“It does not make sense and it does not connect to what they are saying.”
When asked by one reporter the 32-year-old said she wasn’t sure if she would take legal action over the ban due to what she describes as a ‘complicated situation.’ However she believes action should be taken by her governing body.
“I think there should be a reaction to that, that is all I want to say,” she said.
“I have made my stance very clear on the issue. I will never, ever support war. I will never support violence. I will never find any justifications for that. That is all I can say right now.”
Don’t mix sports and politics
On the same day as Azarenka’s remarks, Tunisia’s One Jabeur also questioned the Wimbledon ban and why action has been taken as a result of this specific war. Until 2022, the last time players were banned as a result of their nationality was shortly after World War Two when German and Japanese nationals were excluded.
Speaking to the Arab News, Jabeur believes sports and politics shouldn’t mix after outlining her personal experiences. After participating in a Billie Jean Cup tie with Israel she faced criticism and has previously received death threats over her support for Palestinians.
“I’ve had some situations of my own, especially in the 2020 in BJK Cup when we were supposed to play Israel. I 100 percent feel very sorry for the Palestinian people and I feel sorry for the children that are dying every day for 74 years. So I don’t understand how it’s now okay to mix politics and sports,” said Jabeur.
“What about all the other countries where people and children have been dying every day?
“For me, I don’t think we should mix politics and sports. It’s very sad what’s happening in the world and one thing I hate in this world is politics. It’s very dirty and we can never get the full picture of everything. So I hope this situation will be resolved very soon, I don’t know what’s going to happen.”
Others have also criticized the ban, including Elina Svitolina who argues players should be allowed to play but if they publicly denounced the actions of their governments. Something the ALETC decided against doing due to the possible safety implications.
However, world No.92 Dayana Yastremska says the decision is ‘respectful’ to her country and those affected.
“How would I be able to play against those players at the tournament when all the world is talking about the war that is being fought against Ukraine? So I think the decision they are making is right,” Eurosport quoted Yastremska as saying.
“I think the decision they made is very respectful, they did the right thing. What they’ve done for Ukraine is the right thing. Other players (Ukrainian) are supporting it as well.
“For sure if they take points away many players are going to start being very angry.”
According to The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the Ukrainian War has killed at least 2,829 civilians and injured a further 3,180.
