Two-time champion Petra Kvitova ‘appreciates’ Wimbledon’s decision to ban Russian and Belarussian players from their event last year amid calls for them to be also excluded from the Olympics due to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
On Friday The All England Club confirmed that they will not be implementing the same ban this season following growing pressure from tennis’ governing bodies. Last year officials from Wimbledon and the Lawn Tennis Association prohibited the likes of Dannil Medvedev and Arna Sabalenka from competing due to concerns that their governments could use these events as propaganda. The decision prompted outrage from both the WTA and ATP who removed ranking points from those events before later issuing a hefty fine. Their counter-argument is that players shouldn’t be penalized for the actions of their countries.
Weighing in on the topic following her semi-final win over Sorana Cirstea at the Miami Open, Kvitova said that her view on the matter is more in line with her Ukrainian counterparts and she is in favour of banning Russia from the Olympics. Her opinion is said to be the opposite of WTA CEO Steve Simon who allegedly told one player that they will be allowed to participate in line with the principles of the Games.
“I always state [that I’m] against the war,” said Kvitova. “For sure I’m just more worried about the Ukrainian people and players. I appreciate that Wimbledon had a tough time last year not giving the points, that Belarusian and Russian (players) didn’t play. And I think they shouldn’t be allowed, actually, in my opinion, either to (play in) the Olympics.
“I’m just still a bit on the Ukrainian side of this.”
The former world No.2 was later asked by a journalist if she supports the banning of Russian players from just the Olympic Games or the tennis Tour as well.
“Well, not in the Olympics, for sure,” she replied. “Because I feel the Olympics Games [exist] because we don’t want a war in the world. So that’s my concern. I’m really appreciating that Wimbledon didn’t take them last year.”
Recently the International Olympic Committee issued a recommendation to its members that athletes from Russia and Belarus should be allowed to compete under a neutral flag but a final decision concerning the 2024 Olympic Games is yet to be made. Some European nations have called for a ban to be implemented. Something the head of the IOC, Thomas Bach, has described as double standards because there have been no calls for countries involved in other wars to be excluded.
As for tennis, Russian players have welcomed their upcoming return to Wimbledon in July with Medvedev saying he is ‘happy’ to be allowed to compete there once again.
“I’m really happy. I always said that I love this tournament. It’s the only Grand Slam, which is surprising when we have Roland Garros, that I didn’t make quarters yet, and I want to do better.” Medvedev told reporters following his win over Karen Khachanov in Miami.
“It’s a beautiful tournament, a beautiful Grand Slam. I’m really happy that I’m going to be able to play there this year.”
Russian and Belarussian players will compete as neutral athletes at Wimbledon. Although any player who has received funding from the state will be excluded from taking part.
