Novak Djokovic has slammed Wimbledon after their decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players over the conflict in Ukraine.
QUICK FACTS:
- Djokovic, who grew up in Serbia under war-torn conditions, said athletes should not be punished for the conflict between the countries.
- “I will always condemn war; I will never support war being myself a child of war,” Djokovic said. “I know how much emotional trauma it leaves. However, I cannot support the decision of Wimbledon, I think it is crazy.”
- The Lawn Tennis Association chief executive Scott Lloyd noted that discussions are taking place between Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his British tennis governing body over whether the decision to ban athletes from competing is appropriate.
DJOKOVIC ON SPORTS AND POLITICS:
“When politics interferes with sport, the result is not good.”
BACKGROUND:
- This backlash comes after tennis players from Russia and Belarus will not be granted permission to play in Wimbledon this year due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
- “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,” the All England Club announced Wednesday.
- “It is therefore our intention, with deep regret, to decline entries from Russian and Belarusian players to The Championships 2022.”
