ATP, WTA could bar Wimbledon from offering ranking points to players: Report

Wimbledon's decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players from playing in event due to Russia-Ukraine war could turn costly following reports about a meeting set to take place involving ATP and WTA.

According to reports, meeting will be held in Mrid where a decision will be taken following Wimbledon's decision to ban players. Players like Daniil Medvedev, Aryna Sabalenka, Andrey Rublev, and Victoria Azarenka are among highest-ranked players who won't be able to compete at Wimbledon 2022 following ban.

Wimbledon to be played as 'Exhibition event', no ranking points on offer

According to Express.co.uk,  ATP and WTA chiefs are holding a meeting in Mrid this week to discuss turning Wimbledon into an 'exhibition event' this summer with no ranking points on offer. As per report, it is first time players have been banned on ground of nationality since German and Japanese tennis stars were excluded in post-World War Two era.

All you need to know about Wimbledon ban

 All England Club and Committee of Management of Championships expressed ir support towards those affected by Russia-Ukraine war. statement furr said that given profile of Championships in United Kingdom and around world, it is  responsibility of management to play part in widespre efforts of government, industry, sporting and creative institutions to limit Russia’s global influence through strongest means possible.

ATP and WTA's reaction to Wimbledon banning Russian and Belarusian players

"We believe that today’s unilateral decision by Wimbledon and LTA to exclude players from Russia and Belarus from this year’s British grass-court swing is unfair and has potential to set a damaging precedent for game. Discrimination based on nationality also constitutes a violation of our agreement with Wimbledon that states that player entry is based solely on ATP Rankings", statement re. 

WTA also strongly condemns actions that have been taken by Wimbledon against Russia and Ukraine players. In its statement, WTA said," We continue our humanitarian relief efforts to support Ukraine through Tennis Plays for Peace. We are, however, very disappointed in today’s announcement by AELTC and LTA to ban individual athletes who are from Russia and Belarus from competing in upcoming UK grass court events."