Rafael Nadal found the exclusion of Russian and Belarusian players from the Wimbledon tournament “very unfair” in response to the war in Ukraine, as he said on Sunday.
“They can’t do much, can they? How is it their fault what is happening right now, the war?, Asked the Spaniard on the sidelines of the Madrid tournament. I’m really sorry for them.”
“It’s very unfair for them, but unfortunately I would say that currently, if it’s very complicated for these players, what happens is so unfortunate that ultimately what happens in our sport is almost irrelevant when there are so many people who die and who suffer”, underlined the most crowned player in Grand Slam with a 21st trophy won in Australia at the start of the year.
Wimbledon announced ten days ago its decision to exclude Russians and Belarusians from its 2022 edition (June 27-July 10) due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Among the players concerned include world No. 2 Daniil Medvedev, Andrey Rublev, Aryna Sabalenka and Victoria Azarenka. Conversely, Roland-Garros has indicated that they will be able to play.
Also Novak Djokovic
This decision is a first in world tennis and was immediately strongly criticized by the ATP and the WTA. On the two professional circuits, Russians and Belarusians are authorized to play under a neutral banner. Their national teams, on the other hand, were excluded from the Davis Cup and the Billie Jean King Cup.
“When a government takes measures, they must be followed. In this case, the (British) government gave a recommendation and Wimbledon took its decision, the most drastic possible, without obligation to take it”, noted Nadal.
Novak Djokovic, who called the decision “crazy”, said he was “maintaining (his) position” on Sunday. “I think it’s unfair,” reaffirmed the world No. 1, referring to the possibility of acting on the variable of the points distributed at Wimbledon, for example by keeping those of the Russians and Belarusians prevented from participating.