Russian tennis ace Daniil Medvedev faces Wimbeldon ban
Russian tennis star Daniil Medvedev could be banned from participating in Wimbledon. The government of the UK has laid down certain conditions that he would have to comply with to be able to participate in the tournament.
Image credit: PA Images Daniil Medvedev could be banned from playing at Wimbledon this yearWorld Number one Daniil Medvedev, along with other Russian and Belarusian players, has been competing as a neutral player at the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells. He won his first grand slam last year at the US Open.
A UK parliament committee meeting about Daniil Medvedev’s participation took place on March 15. The Sports Minister of Britain, Nigel Huddleston said that he might seek “assurances” that the Russian star does not support the invasion of Ukraine. He said they are currently considering what requirements might be needed to get the necessary assurances.
Nigel Huddleston also said, "Absolutely nobody flying the flag for Russia should be allowed or enabled,"
Nigel Huddleston is in touch and is having discussions with the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC), the organizers of the Wimbledon. According to the current rules, Russian and Belarusian players can compete in men's ATP and women's WTA as neutral athletes.
Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Russian team and players have been banned from participating in various sports events by governments and sporting authorities. Belarus, which helped provide Russia with a staging ground has also been receiving bans. The sports world has been attempting to put pressure on the Russian leadership by isolating them from sports tournaments and events.
In tennis, both countries have been banned from team events such as the Davis Cup and the Billie Jean King Cup.
Steve Simon, the head of the World Tennis Association has claimed that he does not want players to be banned for not criticizing the decisions of their country's authoritative leaders.
"You never know what the future may bring," said Steve Simon.
The World Tennis Association has never before banned players from participating in their tournaments as a result of political positions taken by their leadership. The rules of WTA will have to be changed if the UK government decided to ban Russian players which Steve Simon claimed won't be a decision he agrees with.
Steve Simon also said, "I feel very strongly that these individual athletes should not be the ones that are being penalized by the decisions of an authoritarian leadership that are doing terrible, reprehensible things."