By banning Russian tennis players from competing because of the war in Ukraine, the ATP decided that the London Major does not provide points for ranking.
This Monday, June 27, the action will begin with the main draw of Wimbledon 2022, the third Grand Slam of the season. This year’s edition will have a great particularity of does not distribute points for ATP ranking by decision of the Association of Professional Tennis Players. Why?
Wimbledon’s controversial decision against Russian and Belarusian tennis players
The Wimbledon tournament banned Russian tennis players from competingincluding none other than world number one Daniel Medvedevthat the BelarusiansWhat sanctions for aggression in Ukraine. This decision, taken in mid -April, confirmed the British Government’s threats that, through sports minister, Nigel Huddleston, he asked on several occasions that Russian tennis players need to declare in writing their independence from Vladimir Putin to prevent them from committing any kind of act in favor of Russia during the event.
Wimbledon so became the first major competition that prohibits individual athletes from participatingafter being ousted by Russia in tournaments such as the Qatar World Cup and other tennis team competitions such as the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup, where they defended the titles they won in 2021.
ATP’s statement on the removal of ranking points at Wimbledon 2022
After the organization’s confirmation All England Lawn Tennis at Croquet Clubwhich banned Russian and Belarusian tennis players from participating in Wimbledon (from June 27 to July 10) due to the invasion of Ukraine, ATP issued a harsh statement. He himself mentioned that the third Grand Slam tournament of the season will not distribute points for ranking.
“The possibility for players of any nationality to participate in tournaments based on merit and without discrimination is essential to our Tour. Wimbledon’s decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players from competing in the UK this summer undermines this principle and the integrity of the ATP ranking system. It is also inconsistent with our classification agreement. If there is no change in circumstances, it is very regrettable and reluctant that we see no other option but to remove the points from the Wimbledon ATP Rankings for 2022.
We greatly value our long -standing relationship with Wimbledon and the LTA and do not underestimate the difficult choices we face in responding to recent guidance from the UK government. However, we note that this is informal guidance, not mandate, that offers the alternative option of leaving the decision to individual players competing as neutral athletes through a signed statement.
Our internal discussions with the affected players, in fact, led us to decide that this would be a more Tour-friendly option. We remain hopeful that further discussions at Wimbledon will lead to a result acceptable to all concerned. Overall, we believe this matter re-emphasizes the need for a unified management structure across professional tennis so that such decisions can be unanimous.
Separately, as previously announced, we confirm that points will remain at the ATP Tour events at the Queen’s (ATP 500), Eastbourne (ATP 250) and UK ATP Challenger events. We made this decision on the basis that alternative gaming opportunities were open to Russian and Belarusian players in those weeks, unlike Wimbledon, which minimizes any impact on the integrity of the rankings. Penalties related to violating the ATP rules of the LTA will be assessed separately.
Our condemnation of Russia’s destructive aggression on Ukraine remains clear. Immediate steps were taken to suspend the ATP Tour event in Moscow and allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to play under neutral flags on the Tour. At the same time, we continue our humanitarian support in Ukraine, along with other tennis governing bodies, as well as providing direct financial assistance to many affected players. “
Tennis players who can’t play Wimbledon
The third Grand Slam of the season was lost to Daniil Medvedevbest tennis player in the world, in addition to Andrey rublevranked number 8, Karen Khachanov (22nd) and Aslan karatsev (43 °). For tennis players who can’t be at Wimbledon, Daria from Russia stands out. Kasatkina (13th) and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (83rd), while for Belarus, there is Aryna Sabalenkanumber 6 in the ranking and semifinalist in 2021, and Victoria Azarenka (20 °).
Photos: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images.
Source: Tycsports
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