Wimbledon boss Hewitt reacts: "No alternative"
Despite the great criticism, the organizers of Wimbledon still see "no alternative" to excluding Russian and Belarusian players this year. All England Club (AELTC) Chairman Ian Hewitt stressed this and defended the decision.
by SID/Heinemann
last edit: Apr 27, 2022, 04:00 pm
"We have examined the various options in detail," said Hewitt on Tuesday. This included allowing Russian and Belarusian players who made a statement distancing themselves from the Russian invasion of Ukraine. However, the organizers saw the danger that the successes of the players from the affected countries could be “used by the Russian propaganda machine”. Or that the professionals could put themselves or their families at risk by distancing.
"We believe that we have made the most responsible decision possible," Hewitt said, speaking of a "truly extraordinary and tragic situation." Not only professionals like world number one Novak Djokovic and Germany's number one Alexander Zverev had clearly criticized the decision - the player organizations ATP and WTA also classified the measure as "discriminatory" (ATP) and "deeply disappointing" (WTA). It has also not been finally clarified to what extent other tournaments will follow this decision.
Djokovic, on the other hand, should be relieved that unvaccinated players will also be allowed to play in the lawn tournament this year. The 34-year-old Serb, who missed the Australian Open, among other things, can defend his title.