Wimbledon singles champion with most medals, Martina Navratilova He was the latest to comment on Wimbledon and the LTA banning Russian and Belarusian players from playing at all Grass events in the UK. 2022 Wimbledon Championship.
This decision is in light of the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war and with Belarus supporting Russia, they are being punished by the Grand Slam for their hand in the war that has been going on for nearly 2 months. The ban was announced yesterday, ahead of Wimbledon’s annual press conference next week.
Martina was invited by LBC to give her views on the ban and the 9-time champion was deeply moved by the decision, and although this was a phone call, it’s understandable that the tennis marvel took her breath away as she talked about the whole thing. .
“Of course I understand the ban on teams from representing countries, but on an individual level I think this is wrong. In the days of apartheid, South African players would compete, but South Africa could not be represented, and this regime was no better than what it is now. My heart is in pieces because I can’t imagine what it’s like for Ukrainian players to deal with that. Svitolina has issues with her back and I’m pretty sure it’s down to the emotions she’s feeling.
“It’s devastating because as a growing player, Wimbledon is one of the events they really want to play at. With something now completely beyond their control, Sabalenka could have won the tournament last year. Medvedev He’s definitely one of the players competing for the title.” Martina said she supports the players from both Ukraine and Russia but also condemns the ongoing war.
Martina Navratilova at Wimbledon’s request, “A great request from the players”
There had been speculation a few weeks ago that Russian players would have to prove that they were not affiliated with the President of Russia in any way. Vladimir Putin and he would have to make it public in order to be able to play in the Championships this year. But now that the ban is in effect, that door is most likely closed as well.
“As a growing player, [Wimbledon] It is a great demand from the players that you are not allowed to play because of politics, maybe never to return to Russia again, unless the person you most dream of is denounced and left your country, putting the health of your family and yourself at risk.” Loved Martina even more.
“Prohibitions against discrimination are expressed in their own rules” WTA denounced Wimbledon and LTA for banning Russian and Belarusian players
