The All England Club has announced that it will donate £1 (approximately $1.25) for each ticket sold at Wimbledon to relief efforts in Ukraine, which could surpass £500,000 ($620,000). The club will also pay for two rooms for Ukrainian tennis players and their teams during the grass-court season. This comes after the club’s decision to allow players from Russia and Belarus back into the tournament, despite the ongoing war in Ukraine, after banning them a year ago.
Decision to Allow Russian and Belarusian Tennis Players
Club chairman Ian Hewitt stated that allowing Russian and Belarusian tennis players to compete at Wimbledon after the invasion of Ukraine that began in February 2022 was “probably the most difficult decision during my chairmanship.” To ensure neutrality, Wimbledon will not be broadcast in Russia or Belarus, and their media will not be allowed at the tournament this year. Flags or signs of support for either of those countries and the war will be barred from the grounds, and players must sign a declaration stating that they will not show support for Russia, Belarus, or the war in Ukraine in order to participate.
Other Announcements
In-match coaching from the stands will be allowed during Wimbledon for the first time on a trial basis, and Roger Federer will be celebrated in some way during this year’s tournament. Billie Jean King and other members of the Original 9 will be honored on the 50th anniversary of the founding of the WTA women’s tour. Men’s doubles matches will be reduced from best-of-five to best-of-three sets.
Eligible Players
Players from Russia and Belarus will be allowed to compete as “neutral” athletes and comply with appropriate conditions. Among those eligible to return to Wimbledon are Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus, ranked No. 2 and winner of the Australian Open in January, and Daniil Medvedev of Russia, a former No. 1 who won the 2021 US Open title. Other eligible players include Victoria Azarenka, a two-time major champion and former No. 1 from Belarus, and Karen Khachanov of Russia, a two-time major semifinalist and former member of the top 10.
Conclusion
Main-draw action at Wimbledon begins on July 3, with the women’s singles final on July 15 and the men’s final on July 16. Tennis tournaments outside of Britain have allowed individual Russian and Belarusian players to compete as “neutral” athletes since the invasion of Ukraine. The decision to allow Russian and Belarusian tennis players to compete at Wimbledon has been met with criticism, but the All England Club has taken measures to ensure neutrality and support relief efforts in Ukraine.
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