Russian and Belarussian athletes have been allowed to compete in ATP, WTA, and ITF events. But they do so under a neutral flag and without playing the national anthem.
Men’s world number two, Daniil Medvedev, has been allowed to compete on the tour, although not under the flags of their respective countries.
‘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,’ read a statement from the All England Club.
‘This remains a complex and challenging issue. And we are continuing to engage in discussion with the UK Government, the LTA, and the international governing bodies of tennis.
‘We plan to announce a decision in relation to Wimbledon ahead of our entry deadline in mid-May.’
Wimbledon is set to begin on Monday, June 27, and end on Sunday, July 10.
Nigel Huddleston, the UK sports minister, has already called on all Russian and Belarusian sportsmen to demonstrate that they are ‘really neutral’ and that they do not support or receive money from Putin or the Russian authorities.
Medvedev, the US Open champion, is currently the most well-known tennis player in those countries. After undergoing hernia surgery, the 26-year-old is doubtful to compete in the upcoming French Open.
In the men’s global rankings, compatriot Andrey Rublev is ninth, while Karen Khachanov and Aslan Karatsev are 24th and 31st, respectively, and Belarus’ Ilya Ivashka is 42nd. Aryna Sabalenka and Victoria Azarenka, both Belarusians, are among the top 50 players on the WTA tour.
After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which was backed by Belarus, the country has been barred from defending its Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup team titles.
A number of authorities throughout the sporting spectrum have imposed various prohibitions and fines on teams and athletes from both countries.
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