Russian, Belarusian tennis players banned from Wimbledon

By Selcuk Bugra Gokalp

ANKARA (AA) - Russian and Belarusian players will not be allowed to participate in this year's Wimbledon due to Moscow's "unjustified" war in Ukraine, the organizers said on Wednesday.

"In the circumstances of such unjustified and unprecedented military aggression, it would be unacceptable for the Russian regime to derive any benefits from the involvement of Russian or Belarusian players with The Championships," the All England Club and the Committee of Management of The Championships said in a statement.

"It is therefore our intention, with deep regret, to decline entries from Russian and Belarusian players to The Championships 2022."

Ian Hewitt, the chairman of the All England Club, recognized that this is "hard on the individuals affected and it is with sadness that they will suffer for the actions" of others.

If circumstances change materially between now and June, we will consider and respond accordingly, the statement added.

Wimbledon is one of the annual four major tennis tournaments (grand slams) around the world. It will begin on June 27 and run through July 10.

Russian athletes and teams have been suspended by several sporting bodies over the war that began on Feb. 24.

Belarus, a Russian ally, has denied involvement in Moscow's "special military operation."