ITF confirms Russia and Belarus suspensions remain despite IOC update on neutral athletes
Tennis News
The International Tennis Federation (ITF) launched a statement confirming that it will maintain the existing restrictions on the Russian and Belarusian Tennis Federations, which have been suspended since the start of the war in Ukraine. Players from those countries – such as Aryna Sabalenka, Daniil Medvedev, Mirra Andreeva or Andrey Rublev – will continue competing without a national flag.
The ITF made clear that its position remains unchanged despite the latest announcement from the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which had updated its general framework regarding the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in international sport.
According to the IOC, individual athletes from both nations may continue to compete as neutral athletes, under strict conditions that include no national symbols, no flag and no anthem. The IOC also reiterated that eligibility decisions remain in the hands of each international federation.
In tennis, however, this clarification does not alter the current structure already in place. The ITF confirmed that suspensions of both federations remain fully active, meaning Russia and Belarus are still excluded from team competitions such as the Davis Cup and the Billie Jean King Cup.
ITF maintains Russia and Belarus exclusion from Davis Cup and BJK Cup
Both nations have been absent from these events since 2022, after Russia had won the Davis Cup and BJK Cup in 2021 and Belarus had also been competing regularly at the highest level of team tennis.
At individual level, the situation remains unchanged. Players from both countries continue to compete across ATP and WTA events, as well as Grand Slams, under a neutral designation. This framework has allowed top-ranked players like Medvedev, Rublev and Sabalenka to remain active on tour, while officially detached from national representation.
“The International Tennis Federation confirms that the IOC’s announcement does not change its existing position regarding the Belarus and Russian Tennis Federations' suspensions which remain in place,” they wrote in a recent statement.
The IOC’s most recent position also reaffirmed the broader concept of “neutral participation” in sport, while maintaining restrictions on team events involving Russia and Belarus.
This approach was also reflected at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where Russian and Belarusian athletes competed as Individual Neutral Athletes (AIN). In tennis, Mirra Andreeva and Diana Shnaider notably secured a silver medal in women’s doubles, competing without national symbols under the neutral banner.
Read also
For now, the ITF’s stance signals continuity rather than change. While the IOC has refined its guidance on athlete participation, tennis governance remains aligned with its established post-2022 framework: exclusion of national federations from team competition, and conditional participation for individuals under a neutral status.
The only potential opening in the near term concerns Belarus, whose federation status is set to be reviewed at the ITF Annual General Meeting in October.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- I, like writer of this wonderful article, also picked Noskova to win this entire thing. I would love it if she and Andreeva are in the final.Rapunzel12-11-2026
- "Priorities", Saba... spend less time in front of cameras, anti-Social Media, selfies and back to Tennis.
mandoist12-11-2026 - Tell this to Andreeva!mandoist12-11-2026
- Andreeva with 11 games in a row to add to Saba's downward spiral issue !!! Personal feelings aside... Jess Pegula may want to reassess her evaluation of Mirra's abilities.mandoist12-11-2026
- I predicted whenthe list was finalised that Linda Noskova would win the WTA Finals and her matches against Gauff and Kostyuk prove that. She is the best (underrated) player in the world!Rapunzel11-11-2026
- Either Lena has a chronic internal ailment (i.e., colitis, enteritis, Crohn's, or some type of lower abdomen issue) -- or she is once again dealing with 'Vukovitis'. Mental stress can indeed cause lower body pains. No matter... whatever is truly going on sucks. "Virus" excuse is getting a bit old -- and often -- at this point.mandoist09-11-2026
- Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!mandoist09-11-2026
- "Another fresh start is in the cards." Thanks for the Humor!! I'm guessing this is the minimum one can do to keep all your sponsors hanging-on in perpetuity?mandoist09-11-2026
- Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.mandoist08-11-2026
- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??mandoist08-11-2026
