The Czech, double champion of Wimbledon does not want to see the Russians and Belarusians set foot on the lawn of the British tournament.
Two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic said on Friday she opposed the decision by the All England Club, organizers of the London tournament, to allow players from Russia and Belarus to participate this year.
“I think they shouldn’t be allowed. In my opinion, they shouldn’t be allowed in the Olympics either. I am therefore a little on the Ukrainian side in this matter”, explained Kvitova.
In 2022, Russian and Belarusian players, allies of Moscow, were unable to take part in the third Grand Slam lift of the season after the invasion of Ukraine, and the British Tennis Federation also denied them prohibited from participating in other tournaments in the UK.
However, players from both countries will be able to participate in the Grand Slam tournament held in July if they compete as athletes.neutraland if they meet certain conditions.
“First of all, it is certain that I always remain against the war. I am of course more worried about the Ukrainian people and playersKvitova told reporters after winning her Miami tournament semi-final against Romania’s Sorana Cirstea.
“I understand that Wimbledon had a hard time last year not giving points (after) the Russians and Belarusians did not play“, she said.
Due to the exclusion, no points counting for the ATP and WTA rankings had indeed been awarded to the participants of the 2022 edition.
Kvitova, who won Wimbledon in 2011 and 2014, added that she was particularly concerned about Russia and Belarus’ participation in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
“I think the Olympics are there because we don’t want war in the world. That’s what worries me“, underlined the 12th world.
Kvitova said the players were not consulted about the Wimbledon decision and the issue was not discussed in the locker room.