• Loading stock data...
Saturday, July 5, 2025

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

Bill Ackman
exclusive

Billionaire Bill Ackman Prepares for ‘Once in a Lifetime’ Tennis Match in..

Ackman says he’s “peaking next week” at the Hall of Fame Open.
exclusive

PGA Tour Slashes FedEx Cup Winner Pay From $25M to $10M

The FedExCup is reworking how it distributes its bonus money.

As NBA Free Agency Quiets, Focus Shifts to Potential Extensions

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander signed a four-year, $285 million extension.

Paramount Settles Trump Suit Ahead of NFL Season, Skydance Merger

The deal likely allows the much larger Skydance merger deal to proceed.

Featured Today

Baseball’s Celebrity Row: Behind MLB’s First-Pitch Ritual

Often planned, sometimes spontaneous, the ritual throw is baseball’s celebrity row.
July 4, 2025

3,000 Hot Dogs, $20K in Prizes: Behind the Nathan’s Eating Contest

Nathan’s serves up thousands of hot dogs and $20,000 in prize money.
July 3, 2025

Geoffrey Esper Can’t Catch a Break at Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest

“Hot dogs is not one of my favorite competitions of the year.”
June 29, 2025

The Battle Over Wimbledon’s Ambitious Expansion Plan

A classic NIMBY standoff on one of the most hallowed grounds in sports.
Jun 13, 2018; Moscow, Russia; A general view of a beer stand inside of Luschniki Stadium one day prior to the start of the FIFA World Cup 2018.

Saudi Arabia Says No Alcohol at 2034 World Cup

Saudi Arabia won’t allow alcohol anywhere during the 2034 World Cup.
August 30, 2024

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

Saudi Pro League teams haven’t yet matched their English counterparts.
January 13, 2025

Gavin Newsom Reveals Status of 2028 Olympics As Los Angeles Wildfires Roar

Gavin Newsom says there’s a “Marshall Plan” to rebuild Los Angeles.
Sponsored

Hottest Matchups Following NFL Schedule Release

The NFL released the 2025 regular-season schedule, and anticipation is already building in the ticket marketplace with four months to go.
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.
August 11, 2024

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

The city last hosted the Summer Olympics in 1984.
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.’