Two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova has protested towards the grasscourt Grand Slam’s determination to elevate a ban on Russian and Belarusian gamers forward of this yr’s match, saying she feels for Ukrainians amid Moscow’s ongoing invasion of their nation. Are.
Wimbledon, the one Grand Slam to bar gamers from Russia and its ally Belarus, mentioned on Friday it could permit them to compete as “neutral” athletes, imposed after Moscow invaded Ukraine in February 2022. overturned the ban.
Czech Republic’s Kvitova, who gained Wimbledon titles in 2011 and 2014, mentioned gamers from Russia and Belarus also needs to be banned from subsequent yr’s Paris Olympics.
“I always say I’m against war. I’m more concerned about the people and players of Ukraine,” Kvitova mentioned after her win over Sorana Cristia within the semifinals of the Miami Open on Friday.
Wimbledon organizers AELTC defended the “incredibly difficult decision”, saying that they “resolutely condemn Russia’s illegal invasion” and barred gamers from expressing assist for it or receiving state funding from Russia or Belarus. Will cease
She was stripped of her rating factors from Wimbledon due to the earlier yr’s ban. Its organizers and Britain’s Lawn Tennis Association had been closely fined by the WTA and ATP Tours, which govern the boys’s and ladies’s sports activities.
“I appreciate that points were not given after Belarus and Russia did not play at Wimbledon last year,” mentioned world No. 12 Kvitova.
They should not even be allowed within the Olympics, she mentioned. “I’m still a little bit on the Ukrainian side of this.
“Not on the Olympics, positively, as a result of I feel the Games are there as a result of we do not need battle on this planet. That’s my concern. I’m actually appreciative that Wimbledon did not have them final yr.” ”
Wimbledon didn’t instantly reply to a Reuters request for remark.
The International Olympic Committee is because of decide on the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes on the Paris Games at a later date.
Ukraine has threatened to boycott the Games if Russians are allowed to compete there.
Russia’s Daniil Medvedev mentioned he’s relishing the chance to return to Wimbledon.
“I have always said that I love this tournament. It is the only Grand Slam, which is surprising when we have Roland Garros, that I have not made the quarterfinals yet and I want to do better,” Medvedev mentioned. Said, who had earlier referred to as for peace.
“I had some tough losses there. I want to try to turn it around. It’s a beautiful tournament, beautiful Grand Slam. I’m really happy I’m going to be able to play there this year.”
Medvedev mentioned he was not sure how the British crowd would react to his look.
“I can’t control it, but I’d be happy to play in front of all the people there,” he mentioned. “Hopefully on the larger courts. Hopefully there can be some large, superb matches.”
With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
