After Wimbledon tournament organizers announced last month that Russian and Belarusian players were banned from competing in the prestigious tournament due to the invasion of Ukraine, the kingdom's media reported tonight (Thursday) that the men's tennis round (ATP) is expected to convene and possibly even deny world rankings this year.
The Players' Council reportedly is putting heavy pressure on the ATP to impose sanctions on the Tennis Club (AELTC), which runs Wimbledon - the third Grand Slam of the season.
Chairman Ian Hewitt, argued that the organization "has no viable alternative" to impose the sweeping ban that has been criticized by both the ATP and the Women's Tennis Association (WTA).
Like the other three Grand Slams, Wimbledon offers a maximum of 2,000 ranking points to the winner, but the ATP Players' Council, which has 10 members, is reportedly calling on the ATP to exclude these points from the event.
Chris Bryant, a Labor MP who serves as chairman of the parliamentary group of all parties on Russia, called on Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal - both members of the ATP Players' Council - to intervene.
Dmitry Medvedev.
Outside the prestigious tournament, Photo: Reuters
"Do they want Ludimir Putin to fail or do they not care?"
Bryant told the Telegraph.
"The men around are behaving horribly. It's as if they have not heard what is happening in Ukraine or do not care."
It should be noted that after his victory in the Italian Open yesterday, Nadal said: "I have no clear opinion on the matter and I do not want to announce anything. We must keep in touch with Wimbledon and protect all ATP and WTA players."
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