‘Shameful day in tennis’ – Ukrainian pro fires at ATP tour for Wimbledon decision
Former top 40 ATP pro Sergiy Stakhovsky is thoroughly disappointed in the ATP tour’s decision to strip Wimbledon of its ranking points for 2022.
The ATP, along with the WTA and ITF, made the move in response to the Wimbledon ban of Russian and Belarusian players for this year’s Championships.
Moreover, such a move is likely to see a Russian at world number one after the event in July.
Daniil Medvedev could rise back to the top of the ATP ladder as the 2000 points won last year by 2021 champion Novak Djokovic will automatically drop.
Stakhovsky tweeted in response to the news, tagging the ATP tour.
He said: “To say that I am disappointed in the ATP tour would be an understatement.
“It seems to me that even my fellow players feel sorry for invaders and collaborators from Russia and Belarus.”
To say that I am disappointed in @atptour would be understatement.. Never would expect that anyone can stand on the side of invaders and murderers… but it seems to me that even my fellow players feel sorry for invaders and collaborants from rus/blr..1/2
— Sergiy Stakhovsky (@Stako_tennis) May 20, 2022
Players which in 85 days where not able to produce any clear message of condemnation of invasion into Ukraine. Shameful day in tennis.2/2
— Sergiy Stakhovsky (@Stako_tennis) May 20, 2022
Stakhovsky has backed the move by Wimbledon, the site of his most noteworthy career moment, when he ousted defending champion Roger Federer in the second round of the 2013 event.
The former world number 31 even retweeted the tweet below from compatriot and former top 20 pro Alexandr Dolgopolov.
There is a reason Wimbledon is probably the most known tennis competition. Points or no points, there are things way bigger than tennis and in these hard times, Wimbledon is on the right side and will stay with its perfect reputation👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
As for the rest, it’s their choice https://t.co/ULaw8cqIDd— Alex Dolgopolov (@TheDolgo) May 20, 2022
Since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the 36-year-old has put his tennis career on hold to return to and aid in the defence of his country.
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