Petra Kvitova says Russians, Belarusians should not be allowed back at Wimbledon
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Petra Kvitova has said that she does not want to see Russian and Belarusian players being allowed to compete at Wimbledon and the Olympics.
PHOTO: EPA-EFE
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MIAMI – Two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova has opposed the All England Club’s decision to lift its ban on Russian and Belarusian players ahead of the 2023 tournament, saying she felt for Ukrainians amid Moscow’s ongoing invasion of their country.
Wimbledon, the only Grand Slam to bar players from Russia and its ally Belarus, said on Friday it would allow them to compete as “neutral” athletes, after Moscow invaded Ukraine in February 2022.
Kvitova, a Czech who won Wimbledon titles in 2011 and 2014, said players from the two countries should also be banned from the 2024 Paris Olympics.
“I always state that I’m against the war. I’m just more worried about the Ukrainian people and players,” the 33-year-old said on Friday, after her Miami Open semi-final win over Sorana Cirstea.
Wimbledon organisers, defending what they called an “incredibly difficult decision”, insisted that welcoming Russian and Belarusian players back as neutrals is the most appropriate arrangement.
However, they will continue to “condemn totally Russia’s illegal invasion” and would bar players from expressing support for it or receiving state funding from Russia or Belarus.
Due to the 2022 ban, Wimbledon was stripped of its ranking points. Its organisers and Britain’ Lawn Tennis Association were hit with huge fines by the ATP and WTA tours, which govern the men’s and women’s circuits respectively.
“I appreciate that Wimbledon had a tough time last year not giving the points (after) Belarusians and Russians didn’t play,” world No. 12 Kvitova added.
“I think they shouldn’t be allowed (to play at Wimbledon) actually. They should not be allowed in the Olympics either. I’m still a bit on the Ukrainian side of this.
“Not in the Olympics, for sure, because I feel the Games are because we don’t want a war in the world. That’s my concern. I’m really appreciating that Wimbledon didn’t take them last year.”
The International Olympic Committee is to decide later on the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes at the Paris Games. Ukraine has threatened to boycott the Olympics if Russians are allowed to compete there.
Meanwhile, Russia’s Daniil Medvedev said he was relishing the opportunity to return to Wimbledon.
“I always said that I love this tournament. It’s the only Grand Slam that I didn’t make quarter-finals yet and I want to do better,” he said.
“I had some tough losses there. I want to try to turn this around. It’s a beautiful tournament, beautiful Grand Slam. I’m really happy I’m going to be able to play there this year.”
The 27-year-old, however, said he was unsure how the British crowd would react to his presence.
“I cannot control it but I will be happy to play there in front of all the people,” he said.
“Hopefully, on big courts. Hopefully, have some big, amazing matches.” REUTERS, AFP
