Daniil Medvedev, other Russian players could face same Wimbledon fate in 2023

British tennis journalist James Gray is reporting that Russian players could face a Wimbledon ban in 2023 as well.

In April, Wimbledon imposed player bans on Russian and Belarusian players.

The reactions to the Wimbledon decision were mostly negative but the tournament could do the same in 2023.

The belief was that the UK Government pushed for a ban of Russian players and players from that country could very well face the same Wimbledon fate in 2023.

“Wimbledon’s ban on Russian and Belarusian players caused British tennis big problems – and could continue to do so. Sources say unless there is a change in UK Government’s position on Russian athletes re: war in Ukraine, ban is expected to remain,” Gray reported on Tuesday.

NEW

Wimbledon’s ban on Russian and Belarusian players caused British tennis big problems – and could continue to do so.

Sources say unless there is a change in UK Government’s position on Russian athletes re: war in Ukraine, ban is expected to remainhttps://t.co/BxtO1rZFoY

— James Gray is on holiday 🌞 (@jamesgraysport) July 12, 2022

Why Wimbledon banned Russian, Belarusian players

AELTC chairman Ian Hewitt explained the Wimbledon decision by suggesting they didn’t want to put Russian players in a potentially dangerous situation.

In March, reports from Great Britain suggested Russian players would be required to sign some forms of anti-Vladimir Putin forms if they were to be allowed to compete at Wimbledon.

The Wimbledon organizers decided against going that route.

“After lengthy and careful consideration, we came to two firm conclusions,” Hewitt said in an explanation provided in late April. “First, even if we were to accept entries (from Russian and Belarusian players) with written declarations, we would risk their success or participation being used to benefit the propaganda machine of the Russian regime, which we could not accept. Second, we have a duty to ensure no actions should put players or their families at risk. We understand and deeply regret the impact this will have on all the people affected. We believe we have made the most responsible decision possible. We believe (given Government guidance) there is no viable alternative in this truly exceptional and tragic situation.”