The Ukraine-Russia war has affected the world of sports, as much as it has divided the world. Almost every world sports federation has either banned the athletes from both countries, or barred them from competing under the national flags. Tournaments in these countries, too, have been cancelled.
Tennis, too, has followed suit. The International Tennis Federation (ITF) has suspended the Russian Tennis Federation (RTF) and Belarus Tennis Federation (BTF) from participating in ITF international team competitions. The players can, however, continue to compete as individuals. ITF has also cancelled "all ITF events taking place in Russia indefinitely".
The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) and the men's association (ATP) have suspended their combined event due to take place in Moscow in October. Players from Russia and Belarus will be allowed to compete, but not under the name or flag of the two countries.
With French Open and Wimbledon coming up in May and June respectively, all eyes are on the fate of the Russian and Belarussian players. The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) is holding talks with the UK government on the participation of players at this year's Wimbledon. A decision is likely in mid-May.
"We have noted the UK Government's guidance regarding the attendance of Russian and Belarusian individuals in a neutral capacity at sporting events in the UK," the AELTC, Wimbledon organisers, said in a statement. "This remains a complex and challenging issue, and we are continuing to engage in discussion with the UK Government, the Lawn Tennis Association, and the international governing bodies of tennis."
British Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston had said last month that he would not be comfortable with a "Russian athlete flying the Russian flag" and winning Wimbledon in London. He added that US Open champion Daniil Medvedev may have to provide assurances that he does not support Russian President Vladimir Putin if he is to compete.
Meanwhile, Medvedev expects to be sidelined for one to two months after having hernia surgery. Medvedev is likely to miss the French Open, which begins on May 22. He reached the quarterfinals at Roland Garros last year after losing in the first round in each of his first four appearances there.
The 26-year-old Russian briefly reached No. 1 in the ATP rankings for the first time in February, before Novak Djokovic regained the top spot.
Medvedev beat Djokovic in the US Open final last September, then lost to Rafael Nadal in the final of the Australian Open in January.
