‘Leave the politics to the politicians’ says renowned coach on Wimbledon ban
Simona Halep’s coach Patrick Mouratoglou has strongly opposed the “shocking decision” made by Wimbledon to ban Russian and Belarussian players from this years event, arguing players from both nations have done more than enough to demonstrate that they oppose the war in Ukraine.
On Wednesday, Wimbledon announced that due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Russian and Belarusian players will not be allowed to take part in the prestigious tournament in June.
The ban means that players such as US Open champion Daniil Medvedev, world number four Aryna Sabalenka and world number eight Andrey Rublev will not be allowed to compete.
In response to the SW19’s ban, the ATP have spoken out against Wimbledon’s plans claiming the sanctions to be “unfair” and have called for players to be allowed to play but not under the flag of their respective nations.
In addition, many legends of the game, pundits and current players have expressed their thoughts on the ban, with world number one Novak Djokovic branding Wimbledon’s actions as “crazy”, and 18-time Grand Slam champion Martina Navratilova labeling the sanctions as “the wrong decision”.
Now coach Patrick Mouratoglou has given his thoughts on the controversial decision, condemning Wimbledon’s actions believing “everyone is against the war”.
In a recent interview the Frenchman told reporters, “Banning Russian and Belarusian players from playing at Wimbledon is a very shocking decision for me. Leave the politics to the politicians. Of course, there is a war. Everyone is against the war, including players from Russia and Belarus.”
Mouratoglou continued, arguing that Russian and Belarussian players have already said enough on the war especially as it could put their loved ones at risk.
“I understand the position of the Ukrainian players because there is war in their country, they have friends, family, who have been killed or who fear being killed tomorrow. I understand that they want very strong points from Russian and Belarusian players.
“Now, if you’re in their shoes, Russians and Belarusians, they have their families living in Russia and by saying something like that, like condemning the government, they are potentially putting their own family in trouble.
“So, I think Russian players and Belarusian players have said a lot already!
“They don’t literally say it, but they say it. So I think that is the most they can do without taking any risks, too much risk for their own families.”
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