WTA dangles US$ 500k carrot in front of Britain’s LTA

The WTA has offered to refund half of a USD 1 million fine imposed on British tennis for banning entries last season from Russian and Belarus players due to the invasion of Ukraine.

The women’s sanctioning body appears desperate to avoid a repeat scenario this summer, where another ban might mean that Tour events played in the UK on grass could have their licenses lifted and sold on.

WTA officials hope to calm the waters with their rebate offer.

Wimbledon is unlikely to be affected, such is the prestige of the grandest of the four Grand Slams – the All England Club will surely be able to shrug off any potential punishment – financial or otherwise.

The WTA explained their offer: “We disagree with the outcome and the fines levied,” the body said on Monday. 

“Nevertheless, our current focus is on working with the WTA, ATP, ITF, AELTC and UK government in order to find a resolution for events in 2023.”

The men’s ATP also fined Wimbledon another USD 1 million for its 2022 ban, but that sanction is more than likely to just stand as is.

Speculation in the British press is that the officials will eventually back down on their bans.

Main photo: Novak Djokovic with the Gentlemen’s Singles Trophy in front of the honours board at The Championships 2021 by Thomas Lovelock/AELTC