Rafael Nadal claims Wimbledon ban on Russian, Belarusian players ‘unfair’

Madrid: Wimbledon’s decision to bar Russian and Belarusian players from competing in the Championships is “unfair,” according to Rafael Nadal, the Spanish tennis great, who spoke to media in Madrid on Sunday.

The 21-time major champion feels the All England Club went with “the most drastic option”, and hopes the circuits can find a way to work around the restriction.

The ATP and WTA, as well as players like as Rafael Nadal’s great rival Novak Djokovic, have slammed Wimbledon for imposing the suspension in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“It’s unfair for my Russian colleagues,” said Nadal. “In that sense it’s not their fault what’s happening in 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 competing in the Madrid Masters after a six-week layoff due to a rib ailment, believes it may be up to him and his teammates to take a position.

“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.

“Let’s see what happens in the coming weeks and let’s see if we as players need to take a stand. There is something wrong.”

Nadal criticised Wimbledon for going beyond their remit.

“When a government orders something, you need to follow the rules,” he said.

“In this case, the government issued a recommendation and Wimbledon decided to impose the most drastic option without being forced to do so.”

Wimbledon, according to Nadal, has gone beyond their mandate.

Meanwhile, world No. 1 Djokovic said he hasn’t spoken to anyone from the ATP Tour, but believes that talks are underway to see how Wimbledon’s decision may be overturned.

Due to his Covid vaccination status, the Serbian star has been unable to compete in some of the season’s most important events, including the Australian Open, Indian Wells, and Miami.