ATP and WTA removed Wimbledon of Ranking points after it barred Russian Players

After Moscow invaded Ukraine, which is termed by the former as a particular operation, tennis' governing bodies have exempted the countries from participating in international team competitions but allowed players from the two countries to continue competing as neutrals. The decision to eradicate rankings points from the tournament will reduce it to an exhibition event. However, the ATP highlighted allowing players to qualify based on merit. 

Wimbledon's decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players is against the principles of the ATP Ranking system and in direct opposition to the Rankings agreement. Meanwhile, WTA chief Steve Simon stated that athletes should not be penalised or prevented from competing solely because of their nationalities or the decisions taken by the governments of their countries. AELTC conducted the move, the organisers of the grass-court Grand Slam, which marks the second-time players have been discriminated against based on nationality after the post-World War Two era when German and Japanese players were excluded.

Wimbledon officials disapprove of the ATP, WTA, and ITF's decision

AELTC tried to explain that they had no other choice, and the British government had greatly influenced their decision. They confirmed their verdict on Friday, disclosing that they were open to discussion with susceptible to possible propaganda or any conspiratorial motive of the Russian regime. Ultimately, they expressed their disapproval of the ATP, WTA, and ITF in removing ranking points for the Championships. Top tennis legends have criticised Wimbledon's ban on Russian and Belarusian players, including 21-times Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal who called it unfair. World number one Novak Djokovic remarked that he did not support the decision.

Britain's Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) favoured the Wimbledon ban by excluding players from the two countries from its tune-up tour events. The WTA disclosed that its tournaments at Nottingham, Birmingham, and Eastbourne would proceed with ranking points on offer as "alternative and comparable playing and ranking point opportunities exist in the same week." The ATP also declared that its events at Queen's and Eastbourne would proceed with total ATP ranking points. As the LTA tournaments will continue to operate normally, it is currently under review for sanctions from tennis governing bodies. Furthermore, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) is sure about not granting ranking points to Wimbledon this year for junior and wheelchair tennis events.