Russian and Belarusian players have been cleared to compete at Wimbledon following a U-turn by the All England Club.
Players from both countries were barred from taking part at last year’s tournament in response to the invasion of Ukraine.
That ban, taken following guidelines from the Government, also extended to other grasscourt tournaments on British soil in the lead-up to the third Grand Slam of the year.
That meant the likes of former world No1 Daniil Medvedev and the Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka being barred from SW19. But the All England Club and the Lawn Tennis Association proved an outlier in that stance from the rest of the tennis world.
In order to compete at this year’s Wimbledon, players from the two nations are required to sign “neutrality agreements”, are prohibited from expressions of support for the war and cannot accept funds from the Russian or Belarusian state or bodies linked to the state. The players will need to “comply with appropriate conditions” spelled out ahead of the tournament.
Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said: “Throughout Vladimir Putin’s ongoing war in Ukraine, we have been clear that Russian and Belarusian athletes representing their country should not be permitted in domestic and international sporting competitions. That position still stands.
“Individual, self-funded Russian and Belarusian athletes can compete in the UK, subject to following our guidance on neutrality. We therefore support the approach of the All England Lawn Tennis Club and Lawn Tennis Association on the basis of following that guidance.
“The AELTC and LTA should never have been fined by the international tennis tours for taking a principled stand against Russian aggression. The UK Government will continue to work closely with governing bodies and event organisers to do all we can to show solidarity with Ukraine."
In addition, it is believed that the Princess of Wales Kate Middleton will present the Wimbledon singles trophies to the men’s and women’s champions should it be a Russian or Belarusian winner.
The All England Club admitted it had been a difficult decision to come to. In a statement, chairman Ian Hewitt said: “We continue to condemn totally Russia’s illegal invasion and our wholehearted support remains with the people of Ukraine.
“The was an incredibly difficult decision, not taking lightly or without a great deal of consideration for those who will be impacted.
“It is our view that, considering all factors, these are the most appropriate arrangements for the championships this year. If circumstances change materially between now and the commencement of the championships, we will consider and respond accordingly.”
Wimbledon lost all its ranking points from the ATP and WTA Tours over its position last year, while the LTA was fined a combined total of £1.5m for blocking Russian and Belarusian players from taking part at the likes of Queen’s Club and Eastbourne during the grasscourt part of the season.
The LTA had also been threatened with being suspended from staging such events were it to continue with its stance.
Speaking earlier this month, two-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray said: “It’s a really difficult one and I do feel for the players who weren’t able to play last year but I also understand the situation and why it’s really hard for Wimbledon to make a call on it as well.
“My understanding is that they are going to be allowed to play and I’m not going to be going nuts if that is the case.”
