World number two out of Wimbledon after Russia is banned from competing

The organisers of Wimbledon have announced a ban on players from Russia and Belarus from competing at this year’s tournament.

Men’s world No.2 Daniil Medvedev and women’s world No.4 Aryna Sabalenka will be among those affected by the decision.

A statement from the All England Club on Wednesday read: ‘Given the profile of The Championships in the United Kingdom and around the world, it is our responsibility to play our part in the widespread efforts of Government, industry, sporting and creative institutions to limit Russia’s global influence through the strongest means possible.

‘In the circumstances of such unjustified and unprecedented military aggression, it would be unacceptable for the Russian regime to derive any benefits from the involvement of Russian or Belarusian players with The Championships.

‘It is therefore our intention, with deep regret, to decline entries from Russian and Belarusian players to The Championships 2022.’

All England Club chairman Ian Hewitt said: ‘We recognise that this is hard on the individuals affected, and it is with sadness that they will suffer for the actions of the leaders of the Russian regime.’

Wimbledon said that the decision would be reconsidered if circumstances ‘change materially’ between now and June and welcomed the LTA’s decision to also ban players from Russia and Belarus from its UK events this summer.

More to follow…

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