The head of men’s tennis has reiterated his organisation’s stance that Russian and Belarussian players should be allowed to compete on the Tour as Wimbledon bosses ponder a reversal in their ban.
Andrea Gaudenzi, who is currently the ATP’s CEO, said it is wrong to punish players who ‘have done nothing wrong.’ As it currently stands Russia is suspended from playing in team events but their players can participate on the Tour under a neutral status. The move was made as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine which began on February 24th last year. The same penalty has also been issued to Belarus whose government have been accused of supporting the conflict.
There are ongoing negotiations between the tennis governing bodies concerning the upcoming grasscourt swing and Wimbledon. Last year the UK became the only country to implement a blanket ban on Russian and Belarussian players paying in their events, including Wimbledon. The decision was made following advice from the British government but prompted condemnation from both the ATP and WTA who have subsequently fined the LTA.
“I want to reiterate that we always condemn and will condemn war,” Gaudenzi said earlier this week during an interview with Globo.com.”I know it’s obvious to say this, but it’s important to repeat and reassure because we send this message very clearly.”
“I think we (the ATP) are very much in line with the guidance of the IOC. Our players cannot play under their flags in team competitions like any other sport.”
Earlier this month, Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina told BBC Sport that Wimbledon should maintain its ban whilst ‘innocent Ukrainians are still being killed’ in the war. The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) says that at least 8,006 Ukrainian civilians have been killed and a further 13,287 injured. This number doesn’t include deaths and injuries that have occurred on the battlefield.
However, Gaudenzi argues such a ban would be counterproductive and prevent players from expressing their feelings. Citing the example of Andrey Ruyblev who wrote on a camera lens ‘no war’ following one of his matches last year.
“There are sports that ban individual players. Generally speaking, we do not believe in collective guilt. These guys have done nothing wrong. They’ve played tennis their whole lives. We feel that, in fairness, they need to have opportunities, like everyone else,” he said.
“We also feel that they need to be able to compete and have a voice, say what they think. We saw Rublev write “Peace, not war” on camera. I think this is an important message. We want these players to play, to be able to express their feelings, even for this to reach their own people, their own country.’
“Generally speaking, we are for justice and freedom, and obviously against war, and we will continue to fight for these principles.”
According to The Telegraph, the WTA has offered to halve their fine from $1M to $500,000 if the LTA agrees to reverse their ban this year. This development comes amid speculation that in a worst-case scenario, Britain faces losing the rights to stage ATP and/or WTA events such as Eastbourne if they do not change their stance. Those rights could then be sold elsewhere.
It is unknown when a final decision regarding the future of the LTA’s and Wimbledon’s ban will be made.
