Ukraine condemns Wimbledon decision to lift ban on Russian players

Russian and Belarusian players were banned from Wimbledon last year – Copyright POOL/AFP/File MARCO LONGARI

John WEAVER

Ukraine has condemned the “immoral” decision to allow Russian and Belarusian tennis players to compete at Wimbledon after tournament organisers announced Friday they were lifting a ban imposed in 2022.

Competitors from the two nations will be able to enter the Grand Slam, which starts on July 3, if they are “neutral” athletes and comply with certain conditions.

Players will be prohibited from expressing support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and those who receive funding from the Russian or Belarusian states, including sponsorship from state-operated or state-controlled companies, will be barred.

The All England Club, which runs Wimbledon, said the decision was made after talks with the UK government, Britain’s governing