"Banning Russian players isn't the answer" says tennis journalist Leif Shiras

Tennis journalist Leif Shiras spoke about the impact of Russia's invasion on Ukraine and the effect it has and will have on professional tennis.

Russia as a country has a tremendous impact in the world of tennis with numerous players from the country taking part in ATP and WTA competitions regularly. Most recently the country had won the Davis Cup Finals a couple of months ago and players from that country bagged several medals at the final Olympic Games. Speaking about the impact Russia's invasion of Ukraine will have on tennis Shiras said:

"I think players like Rublev and Medvedev are doing as much as they can as an individual person trapped in this political world. I do think it would be wise if the Tour would recognize the situation however I don't feel that banning individual players is the answer."

Shiras also spoke about Medvedev and the timing of him becoming world number one coinciding with the invasion:

"I think it's unfortunate timing that he became number one when his country is involved with Ukraine in this unpleasant way. It's sad, it's unfortunate."