Main / Repository / Sport / “The day of shame” Ukrainian tennis players criticized the decision to deprive Wimbledon of ranking points because of banning Russia and Belarus

“The day of shame” Ukrainian tennis players criticized the decision to deprive Wimbledon of ranking points because of banning Russia and Belarus

May 21, 2022

“The day of shame” Ukrainian tennis players criticized the decision to deprive Wimbledon of ranking points because of banning Russia and Belarus

Wimbledon, widely regarded as the world’s most prestigious tennis tournament, was stripped of ranking points on May 20, 2022, by the sport’s main tours ATP and WTA over excluding players from Russia and Belarus.

Wimbledon chiefs at the All England Club branded the move by the ATP and WTA as “disproportionate.”

“Given the position taken by the UK Government to limit Russia’s global influence, which removed automatic entry by ranking, and the widespread response of Government, industry, sport, and creative institutions, we remain of the view that we have made the only viable decision for Wimbledon as a globally renowned sporting event and British institution, and we stand by the decision we have made,” the Wimbledon website informs.

Ukrainian tennis players supported Wimbledon’s decision and criticized the position of ATP and WTA tours.

“There is a reason Wimbledon is probably the most known tennis competition. Points or no points, there are things way bigger than tennis and in these hard times, Wimbledon is on the right side and will stay with its perfect reputation. As for the rest, it’s their choice,” said Ukrainian tennis player Oleksandr Dolgopolov on Twitter.

“To say that I am disappointed in ATP Tour would be an understatement. Never would expect anyone can stand on the side of invaders and murderers… but it seems to me that even my fellow players feel sorry for invaders and collaborators from Russia and Belarus. Players who in 85 days were not able to produce any clear message of condemnation of invasion into Ukraine. Shameful day in tennis,” said another Ukrainian tennis player Serhii Stakhovskyi on Twitter.

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