Novak Djokovic calls out Wimbledon over ban on Russian, Belarusian players: ‘I think it is crazy’

Novak Djokovic referred to as out Wimbledon organizers after the All England Membership introduced its choice to ban Russian and Belarusian gamers from this yr’s event, calling the ruling “loopy.” 

Djokovic, a six-time Wimbledon champion, spoke out in regards to the choice on the Serbian Open on Wednesday, saying that whereas he’ll at all times condemn conflict, politics and sports activities ought to by no means combine. 

WIMBLEDON TO BAR RUSSIAN, BELARUSIAN PLAYERS FROM COMPETING: REPORTS

“I’ll at all times condemn conflict, I’ll by no means assist conflict being myself a toddler of conflict,” Djokovic stated of his youth, through Sky Sport. “I understand how a lot emotional trauma it leaves. In Serbia, everyone knows what occurred in 1999. Within the Balkans, we now have had many wars in latest historical past.”

He continued: “Nevertheless, I can not assist the choice of Wimbledon, I feel it’s loopy. When politics interferes with sport, the consequence will not be good.”

Wimbledon organizers stated Wednesday its choice comes amid Russia’s “unprecedented navy aggression” in opposition to Ukraine and its individuals. The All England Membership beforehand stated in March that it was having discussions with the British authorities about whether or not to implement a ban, just like a number of different worldwide sports activities governing our bodies. 

“It’s our duty to play our half within the widespread efforts … to restrict Russia’s international affect by means of the strongest means potential,” the assertion learn. “Within the circumstances of such unjustified and unprecedented navy aggression, it could be unacceptable for the Russian regime to derive any advantages from the involvement of Russian or Belarusian gamers with The Championships.”

Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts throughout the match in opposition to Laslo Djere of Serbia throughout the day three of Serbia Open ATP 250 Event at Novak Tennis Centre on April 20, 2022 in Belgrade, Serbia. 
(Nikola Krstic/MB Media/Getty Photos)

Among the many distinguished males’s gamers affected by the ban are reigning U.S. Open champion Daniil Medvedev, who just lately reached No. 1 within the ATP rankings and is at the moment No. 2, and No. 8 Andrey Rublev. The ladies’s gamers affected embody No. 4 Aryna Sabalenka, who was a Wimbledon semifinalist final yr; Victoria Azarenka, a former No. 1 who has gained the Australian Open twice; and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, the French Open runner-up final yr.

The ATP launched an announcement calling the ban “unfair.”

“Our sport is proud to function on the elemental ideas of benefit and equity, the place gamers compete as people to earn their place in tournaments primarily based on the ATP Rankings,” the assertion learn. “We consider that at the moment’s unilateral choice by Wimbledon and the LTA to exclude gamers from Russia and Belarus from this yr’s British grass-court swing is unfair and has the potential to set a harmful precedent for the sport.”

Daniil Medvedev of Russia throughout a match between Daniil Medvedev of Russia and Yoshihito Nishioka of Japan as a part of day 4 of the Telcel ATP Mexican Open 2022 at Enviornment GNP Seguros on Feb. 24, 2022 in Acapulco, Mexico. 
(Regina Cortina/High quality Sport Photos/Getty Photos)

“Discrimination primarily based on nationality additionally constitutes a violation of our settlement with Wimbledon that states that participant entry is predicated solely on ATP Rankings. Any plan of action in response to this choice will now be assessed in session with our Board and Member councils.”

The WTA echoed that sentiment, saying it was “disillusioned” within the choice.

The Related Press contributed to this report.