Yesterday the All England Lawn Tennis Club released a statement confirming that players from the two countries will not be allowed to play due to the Russian military invasion of Ukraine.

Some of the sport’s biggest names will not be able to play such as the men’s world number two, Daniil Medvedev and the women’s fourth seeded Aryna Sabalenka.

Ian Hewitt, Chairman of the All England Club confirmed that they will not be allowing some of the world’s top players to comment at the grass court Grand Slam.

“We recognise that this is hard on the individuals affected, and it is with sadness that they will suffer for the actions of the leaders of the Russian regime.

“We have very carefully considered the alternative measures that might be taken within the UK Government guidance but, given the high-profile environment of The Championships, the importance of not allowing sport to be used to promote the Russian regime and our broader concerns for public and player (including family) safety, we do not believe it is viable to proceed on any other basis at The Championships.”

The move as has been criticised by both the ATP and the WTA, as well as the men’s singles world number one, Novak Djokovic.

At present, Russian and Belarusian players are still able to compete at the French Open, which starts in May, and they will compete as neutral players.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport