Lose-lose situation - The tennis elite discuss Wimbledon
The tennis elite are currently measuring themselves in Paris - and are also discussing the difficult situation at Wimbledon.
by SID
last edit: May 24, 2022, 06:50 pm
Entries in the history books, almost 44 million prize money, and many points for the world rankings - the clay court classic in Paris is currently about the really big package that only Grand Slams in tennis can offer. Wimbledon, the next highlight of the season, was downgraded after the tough decision by the ATP and WTA - and the scene was discussed.
Novak Djokovic , number one in the world, criticized the organizers and nevertheless announced in Paris that he also wanted to serve at the grass event. "Yes, I intend to go to Wimbledon," said the 35-year-old Serb on the fringes of the French Open. "Wimbledon is still history, the oldest tournament that our sport has and I would still love to win there," said German number one Alexander Zverev.
Djokovic doesn't support decision
On the Thames, the professionals cannot earn any points for the world rankings this year, the ranking threatens to be massively scrambled - and Djokovic could be badly affected. If he can't defend his points from last year, the lead in the world rankings could be gone. The whole situation is a "lose-lose situation," he said.
However, the decision to exclude Russians and Belarusians was a "mistake" by the Wimbledon organizers, he emphasized: "I don't support it at all." He also had an insight into a British government document that gave the organizers different options: "It wasn't just the one on the table."
The tournament organizers from London announced at the end of April that Russian and Belarusian players would not be allowed to play in the grass highlight (June 27 to July 10) due to the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. In response, the professional organizations ATP and WTA decided not to award world ranking points.
Medvedev remains diplomatic
Benoit Paire clearly dislikes the consequence of this: "I'm sorry for Russia and the Russians, but they are the ones who cause all the trouble," said the Frenchman: "And all ATP players pay the price for that. Medvedev will be number one in the world, that's absurd."
Medvedev, the Russian world number two, made diplomatic statements on Tuesday. "I don't want to say which decision is right, but I find the ATP simply more logical and consistent in its justification."