Following their controversial decision to ban all Russian and Belarusian athletes from competing at this year's
Wimbledon, Australian tennis player
John Millman has condemned this decision by the organizers.
The All England Club chose to bar Russian and Belarusian athletes from Wimbledon due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, a decision that has sparked backlash from both players and fans alike.
Millman has spoken out against the decision, and he took to social media to voice his opinion. Furthermore, the World No.80 stated the organizers were more focused on making profits, based on a previous experience early in his career.
"When I qualified at Wimbledon for the 1st time I asked for two extra ground passes so family could watch – I was told to line up in the queue," wrote Millman. "Money means everything there, if you’re going to ban athletes then also give all your profits in aid. Then we’d know you’re serious."
However, Ukrainian WTA star
Marta Kostyuk seemed to take offence to Millman's remarks, and she responded to his tweet with comments of her own.
"Ukraine needs peace and freedom that we are dying for right now, not money," wrote Kostyuk. "Anyone who thinks that decision like this one is targeting players personally is pretty selfish. Players are great part of propaganda and big example to their fans. Silence is a betrayal."