Wimbledon: Ban on Russian & Belarusian Players Unfair -Rafael Nadal

Wimbledon’s decision to bar Russian and Belarussian players from competing was deemed “unfair” by Rafael Nadal, the Spanish tennis legend told reporters in Madrid on Sunday.

The 21-time major champion believes the All England Club chose “the most drastic option,” and he hopes the tours can find a way to work around the ban.

Wimbledon has been heavily chastised by the ATP and WTA, as well as players such as Nadal’s main rival Novak Djokovic, for enforcing the ban in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Belarus is considered an ally of Russia and permitted Russian troops to invade Ukraine from across its border.

The ban rules out a swathe of talented players, including men’s world number two Daniil Medvedev and last year’s women’s semi-finalist Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus.

“It’s unfair for my Russian colleagues,” said Nadal. “In that sense, it’s not their fault what’s happening at this moment with the war.

“I’m sorry for them. I wish it was not this way, but at the end of the day we know that this is what we have.”

Nadal, who is returning to competitive play at the Madrid Masters after a six-week hiatus due to a rib injury, said it may fall upon him and his fellow players to take a stand.

“As a fellow player, what can I say? I feel sorry for them,” said the 35-year-old two-time Wimbledon champion.

“I wish this was not the case.

Source: punchng.com