• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, November 26, 2024

Wimbledon Will Allow Russians to Compete Under Neutral Flag

  • Russia and Belarus were were banned in 2022 due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
  • Ian Hewitt, chairman of the All England Club, still condemns Russia’s “illegal” invasion.
The Russians are welcomed back at Wimbledon.
Peter van den Berg-USA TODAY Sports

Despite the ongoing war in Ukraine, Wimbledon will allow Russian players to compete in this year’s tournament.

Tennis players from Russia and Belarus will compete under a neutral flag at this summer’s tournament from July 3-16. They were banned in 2022 due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

But Russian players aren’t exactly getting free reign to play politics at Wimbledon this summer. The players “will not be allowed to express support for the invasion,” wrote the Washington Post

“Any player who receives funding from the Russian or Belarusian governments, including sponsorships from state-controlled companies, will not be allowed to play.”

Russian players are allowed to compete in tennis’ other Grand Slam events as neutral athletes.

Despite the decision, Ian Hewitt, chairman of the All England Club, still condemns Russia’s “illegal” invasion.

“This was an incredibly difficult decision, not taken lightly or without a great deal of consideration for those who will be impacted,” he said. “It is our view that, considering all factors, these are the most appropriate arrangements for The Championships for this year.” 

The ban prevented stars such as Daniil Medvedev of Russia and Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus from playing last year. This latest decision was condemned by both Russia and the Association of Tennis Professionals, according to the Post.

Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022. The U.K. has condemned the “Russian government’s unprovoked and premeditated war against Ukraine.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Bears $4.7B Dome Plan Takes Hit After Deal With Chicago Suburb

The Bears and Arlington Heights resolved a longstanding tax dispute.

Rays Facing Schedule Shake-Up, Outdoor Adjustments, Political Drama

The schedule shifts look to address the vagaries of Florida’s summer weather.

NBA May Be Trying to Lure Caitlin Clark to All-Star Weekend

The 2023 All-Star weekend featured the first NBA versus WNBA three-point challenge.

DirecTV-Dish Deal Is Dead, Spelling More Trouble for Pay TV

Bondholder objections undo an agreement to create the largest U.S. pay-TV distributor.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

The Billionaire Who Flipped a Star Quarterback

0:00

Featured Today

Can an Elite Women’s Soccer School Survive the New College Sports Moneyball?

Santa Clara faces an uphill battle in the new college sports landscape.
Nov 16, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman (2) celebrates after defeating NJ/NY Gotham FC in a 2024 NWSL Playoffs semifinal match at Audi Field. Mandatory Credit:
November 22, 2024

The Washington Spirit’s Business Makeover Carried Them to the Finals

The team’s return to the NWSL championship looks a lot different from 2021.
Nov 18, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Williams Racing driver Logan Sargeant of the United States (2) during the Las Vegas Grand Prix at Las Vegas Strip Circuit.
November 21, 2024

F1 Grand Prix Upended Vegas Last Year. Stakes Are High for Its..

Stakes are high as F1 gears up for a successful second act.
Classic Football Shirts New York Pop-Up
November 18, 2024

Vintage Soccer Jerseys Have Found a Sweet Spot in the Lucrative U.S...

The money-making shirts are at the prime intersection of memorabilia and fashion.

Premier League Transfer Spending Has Already Topped $2 Billion As Deadline Looms

Saudi Pro League teams haven’t yet matched their English counterparts.
August 11, 2024

Passing of the Torch: Los Angeles Set for Olympic Firsts in 2028

The city last hosted the Summer Olympics in 1984.
Paralympics Tiktok
August 25, 2024

The Wildly Successful Paralympics TikTok Account Isn’t What You Think

A cheeky TikTok account is opening the world of Paralympic sports.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
August 1, 2024

Saudi Arabia Submits Bold World Cup Bid That Includes a Cliffside Arena

The Saudis are proposing a new stadium in a futuristic city called Neom.
John John Florence (USA) surfs in men’s round two competition during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Tsurigasaki Surfing Beach.
July 29, 2024

Olympic Surfers Won’t Get Their Full Paris Moment

‘We’re kind of separate off on our own little thing over here.’
Teahupo'o Tahiti Surfing
July 26, 2024

Olympic Surfing Crashes on Tahiti Like a Wave

For Teahupo‘o’s locals, the Olympics are a mixed blessing.
July 25, 2024

Olympics: Despite Concerns, Star Athletes and Paris Spark Hope

Hope rises for a resurgent event after two pandemic-marred Olympics.