French Open warns players about sanctions if they make any pro-Putin statements

French Open Tournament Director Amelie Mauresmo admitted there is “no fair decision” when it comes to Russian and Belarusian players’ participation at Grand Slams, but those who compete at Roland Garros have been warned that they will face punishment if they support the Vladimir Putin regime in public.

Roland Garros officials have decided to stick with the ATP, WTA and ITF policies that allow players from the two countries to compete at tournaments, but as individuals. This is in contrast to the All England Club (AELTC) and Lawn Tennis Association’s (LTA) decision to ban players from Russia and Belarus from Wimbledon and other events in the UK following Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine.

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On the decision, Mauresmo said:

“It’s very complicated, probably there is no fair decision to take. We have thought a lot, and I have the impression that there is no fair decision, one way or the other. We are in line with what European sports ministers – and other countries – decided in March, we do not welcome teams but individual athletes. Obviously if an athlete speaks in the press for example and supports Vladimir Putin, sanctions will be taken.”

The 2022 French Open gets underway on May 22 with Djokovic and Barbora Krejcikova the defending champions.