Novak Djokovic slams ‘crazy’ Wimbledon ban on Russian and Belarusian players

World number one Novak Djokovic has branded Wimbledon’s decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players from the 2022 tournament as “crazy” claiming that “when politics interferes with sport, the result is not good.”

On Wednesday, the All England Club announced the controversial decision that as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, both Russian and Belarusian athletes will be unable to compete at the world’s oldest Grand Slam.

Therefore, the likes of world number two Daniil Medvedev and world number four Aryna Sabalenka will not take part in the tournament.

Wimbledon is the first tennis tournament to ban individual athletes from the two countries.

In response, the ATP and WTA have condemned Wimbledon’s ban, with the ATP branding the sanctions as “unfair” and accusing Wimbledon chiefs of “discrimination”.

Now players on tour are starting to voice their opinion’s on SW19’s ban on Russian and Belarusian players. In particular, 20-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic has labelled the exclusion of the players from the Grand Slam as “crazy” saying that he cannot support Wimbledon’s actions.

Djokovic, who has won six Wimbledon titles, told reporters in a recent interview, “I will always condemn war, I will never support war being myself a child of war.

“I know how much emotional trauma it leaves. In Serbia we all know what happened in 1999. In the Balkans we have had many wars in recent history.

“However, I cannot support the decision of Wimbledon, I think it is crazy. When politics interferes with sport, the result is not good.”

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