WIMBLEDON: The Chief Executive of Wimbledon says she respects other tournament policies regarding the suspension of Russian and Belarussian players but stands by her organization’s position.
On the opening day of the Wimbledon Championships, Sally Bolton spoke to the media about an array of subjects concerning this year’s Grand Slam. The most frequent of those was the move to ban some players from participating in response to the Ukraine War. A move that divided opinion within the sport and resulted in the removal of ranking points from this year’s tournament. Among those banned from playing are world No.1 Daniil Medvedev and two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka.
“It was an incredibly difficult decision for us to make. We took our time in making it, we considered all the options that were available and in the context of UK-specific government guidance,” Bolton explains.
“Of course, we respect other Grand Slams making their own decisions in their unique set of circumstances. We can only speak for ourselves and now we are focused on delivering a fantastic tournament.”
The three other Grand Slams have allowed Russian and Belarussian players to participate but under a neutral flag. In line with a policy that has also been implemented by the WTA, ATP, and largely the ITF (there is an ITF tournament in Latvia taking place which has such a ban in place).
Bolton, who was appointed as Chief Executive of the AELTC in 2019, says throughout the decision-making process talks with the Russian Tennis Federation were taking place. Although she points out that the sport has to ‘exist within jurisdictions.’ Making references to the British government guidance that was issued leading up to the ban.
“When the government was starting to develop their guidance we were constantly talking to all parties in tennis. Whether that was the Tour’s or Slams. That communication is very much ongoing,” she said.
“Although we are a global sport, we all have to exist within jurisdictions. Those are governed sometimes by different governments.”
Coaching and Swiatek
In recent days the ATP joined the WTA in allowing coaching during matches by revealing a new trial that will take place until the end of 2022. The governing body says their testing of off-court coaching will provide ‘additional points of intrigue and insight to enhance the fan experience.’ Under the rule, Verbal coaching is permitted only when the player is at the same end of the court and must not hinder their opponent.
However, it is unlikely that any form of coaching during matches will be allowed at Wimbledon who has reiterated their opposition.
“At this point, Wimbledon’s position is that we do not support on-court coaching,” Bolton states.
“We recognize the need for the sport to evolve and think about how it will look in the future but our current view is that we don’t support on-court coaching.”
Known for their tradition Bolton also confirmed that it is likely that the requirements for players to wear white clothing will continue.
Another unique aspect of the tournament takes place on its first Tuesday when Center Court is opened up by the defending women’s champion. Ash Barty won the title 12 months ago but has since retired. Instead, it will be the world’s No.1 Iga Swiatek who is currently on a 35-match winning run. However, there have been calls for Simona Halep to have the honor. The Romanian won the title in 2019 but then the tournament was canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic and she was injured the following year.
“As her performance as the No.1 seed, it was an obvious choice (for Swiatek) to open Center,” said Bolton.
“Every year when we have these decisions to make, particularly when we don’t have a reigning champion coming back, we look at all the different options and the reasons why a player might be chosen to open. Swiatek was considered to be the absolute best pick.”
