Novak Djokovic condemns Wimbledon’s ban on Russian tennis players
Al JazeeraThe UK-based tennis tournament announced the ban in light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Tennis star Novak Djokovic has called a ban on Russian and Belarusian players competing at Wimbledon “crazy”. “The Belarusian Tennis Federation categorically condemns the decision taken by the organisers of Wimbledon to suspend Belarusian and Russian tennis players,” it said in a statement. “Such destructive actions in no way contribute to the resolution of conflicts, but only incite hatred and intolerance on a national basis.” The Professional Tennis Players Association, the breakaway players’ body launched by Djokovic in 2020, said it was committed to protecting the tennis community having heard the experiences of individuals impacted by the war. “Speaking against Russian or Belarus or denouncing the invasion may result in imprisonment.” Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina said Russian and Belarusian players who denounce Moscow’s invasion of her country should be allowed to participate at Wimbledon.