Tsitsipas slams Wimbledon's decision to ban Russian, Belarusian players

Madrid (IANS) World No.4 Stefanos Tsitsipas is the latest tennis star to slam Wimbledon's decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players from competing, describing the decision as 'not nice'.

The world No.4 Tsitsipas is not the first star to slam the ban, as he joins the likes of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray in criticising Wimbledon's decision.

Greek star Tsitsipas has defended his fellow players and criticised the decision. "It is not nice that they are not allowed to play, I believe. They have done nothing wrong to be automatically defaulted from that competition," Tsitsipas was quoted as saying by express.co.uk.

Ian Hewitt, chairman of the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club, announced in April that Russian and Belarusian players will not be allowed to play in the UK this summer following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The decision means the likes of Daniil Medvedev, Andrey Rublev, Aryna Sabalenka, world No.15 Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and Victoria Azarenka will all miss out on the Grand Slam this year.

British star Murray also echoed these thoughts but does believe there is 'no right answer' to the difficult situation surrounding Russian and Belarusian athletes.

He commented: "My understanding of the guidance was that Russians and Belarusians can play if they sign a declaration that they're against the war and the Russian regime."