and defiant Wimbledon claps back at sanctions

Wimbledon officials were quick to respond to ATP – and now, WTA – orders to strip the most prestigious of the Grand Slams of all ranking points over the banning of Russian and Belarus players from The Championships.

With the men’s and women’s Tours using the nuclear option the All England Club struck back on Friday with typical British understatement:

“We wish to state our deep disappointment at the decisions taken by the ATP, WTA and ITF in removing ranking points for The Championships. 

“We believe these decisions to be disproportionate in the context of the exceptional and extreme circumstances of this situation and the position we found ourselves in, and damaging to all players who compete on Tour.  

“We are considering our options, and we are reserving our position at this stage. We are also in discussion with our Grand Slam colleagues.”

The club added: “In the meantime, we remain focused on our exciting plans for The Championships this year.”

Reports indicated that should a player such as No. 2 Daniil Medvedev win the event, it would hand over a psychological victory to Russian autocrat Vlad Putin, with Kate, Duchess of Cambridge on hand to award the winner’s trophy at the upcoming edition.  

 “We remain unwilling to accept success or participation at Wimbledon being used to benefit the propaganda machine of the Russian regime, which, through its closely controlled State media, has an acknowledged history of using sporting success to support a triumphant narrative to the Russian people,” Wimbledon concluded.

Main photo:-The Duchess of Cambridge in the Wimbledon Royal Box by Roger Parker International Sports Fotos Ltd