Andrey Rublev Accuses Britain Of Prioritising Politics Over Peace Concerning Player Ban  - UBITENNIS

Andrey Rublev Accuses Britain Of Prioritising Politics Over Peace Concerning Player Ban 

The Russian tennis star has blasted the current stance being taken by the government and has accused them of using sport to manipulate politics. 

By Adam Addicott
6 Min Read
Andrey Rublev - 2022 Nitto ATP Finals Turin (photo Twitter @atptour)

Andrey Rublev has hit out at the British government after participating in a recent meeting concerning the 2023 Wimbledon Championships. 

The world No.8 was prohibited from playing at the Grand Slam this year after organizers and the LTA issued a ban on Russian and Belarussian athletes due to the war in Ukraine. Officials made the decision based on advice issued by the government who expressed concern that Russian could use their players as propaganda in those events. 

However, the ATP and WTA condemned the move and removed the allocation of ranking points at the tournament for the first time in history. The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) were also issued hefty fines by both organizations but it is understood that they are appealing those penalties. Furthermore, a recent report suggests that the LTA could have their ATP membership suspended if they conduct such a ban for the second year in a row in 2023. 

There is speculation that Wimbledon and the LTA will perform a U-turn on their policy but Rublev says it is still up in the air. In an interview with Clay Magazine, the 25-year-old confirmed that he was among those who put the case forward for Russian players to be allowed to compete again during a recent meeting involving both the ATP and directors of the major tournaments.

“We had a meeting with the Grand Slams and the ATP. It’s really good that ATP is more open to helping everyone,” said Rublev. 
“We were very honest, giving a lot of options, many ways to help. Really help. Because, if they ban us for the second year, we will see no changes and will be worst for tennis. Only we make more fire in the tennis. And it doesn’t help the situation. We are offering help in any direction that is possible. We want to show that tennis can be bigger than politics.”

It appears that the biggest issue for tennis is the stance of the British government which appears to be still wary about the threat of Russian propaganda being used by athletes on their home soil. Earlier this month, Culture secretary Michelle Donelan accused tennis’ governing bodies of being ‘outcasts’ in the fight against Russia’s war in Ukraine after the ATP fined the LTA $1M. 

“Over the past year, the vast majority of the international sporting community have stood shoulder to shoulder in condemning Putin’s provoked and barbaric actions in Ukraine,” Donelan said in a statement.
“The UK has taken a world-leading role to build this international response. We are clear that sport cannot be used to legitimise this deadly invasion, and that athletes representing the Russian and Belarusian states should be banned from competing in other countries.
“Despite widespread condemnation, the international tennis tours are determined to be outcasts in this, with investment in the growth of our domestic game hampered as a result (of the fine).”

However Rublev, who is one of a few top Russian athletes that have publicly voiced their opposition to the war, has criticized the government’s stance by saying it stops the prospect of a peaceful gesture being made. The tennis star also adds that in his view the government uses sport to manipulate politics. 

“They really don’t want to help. The government of England probably proved that for them is all about politics. They are showing that politics is more important than peace,” he said. 
“We (the tennis players) can show a strong message, at least for one time, that sport can be separated from political issues. Could be a good start. I know that’s difficult because they will always use sport to manipulate politics.”

As for his personal views on the war, Rublev believes the best way to express himself is on the tennis courts. Shortly after Russian started their invasion on February 24th this year, he wrote on a camera lens ‘no war please.’ 

“The easiest way how I can make my statement, to show what I’m standing for, is the tennis court. It’s the only platform I can see to show how important is to be kind, to be humble, and to have the right education for a better generation, for a better world. I try to use this platform in a good way. Also not to show that I might try to be acting, not natural, you know? Because if you start to do this too much it will also be not really that natural. I just do it in the right moment.” He explained. 
“The most important thing is that normal people cannot suffer, they cannot pay for their leaders’ mistakes. Normal people have to enjoy life, not going through this horrible situation.”

Under current rules, Russian and Belarussians are allowed to play in ATP, WTA and ITF tournaments but only as neutral athletes. However, those countries are banned from playing in team competitions such as the Davis Cup. 

It is unknown when Wimbledon will make a final decision regarding the participation of players from those two countries in the 2023 tournament. 

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