SVITOLINA: “I understand that the admission of the Russians to Wimbledon is a necessary step”

Ukrainian tennis player Elina Svitolina He shared his views on the decision to ban Russians and Belarusians at Wimbledon last year and change the decision this year.

“Last year I was happy that they made such a decision because as Ukrainians we fought for it. We tried to explain with the organizers of the competition with the WTA, ATP, ITF what was happening, why other sports decided to ban it and tennis did not. We are very grateful to Wimbledon for this decision. I was here for a day last year, I saw the Ukrainian players.They agreed.

Of course they had to change their approach due to too much pressure from tennis authorities. And that was expected because the organizers don’t want to lose the Major and we have to accept that. Anyway, I appreciate the support, help with accommodation and many other issues. We are truly grateful for their position,” said Svitolina.

Last year, the British refused to allow athletes from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus to their tournaments, where the men’s and women’s rounds deprived Wimbledon of rating points and threatened to forfeit the licenses of tournaments in England if the ban was not lifted. . LTA was also fined £1.5m.

Wimbledon 2023 will take place from July 3-16.