Russian and Belarusian athletes allowed to compete at 2024 Paris Olympic Games as neutral athletes
Tennis NewsFriday, 08 December 2023 at 17:16
In a boost for the likes of Daniil Medvedev, Andrey Rublev, Aryna Sabalenka and Victoria Azarenka among others, Russian and Belarusian athletes will be allowed to compete at the 2024 Olympic Games next year in Paris.
In news confirmed today, it was set as an Olympic wide precedent albeit they will be under similar jurisdiction to the current rules surrounding tennis players with those involved competing as neutral athletes.
Rublev and Pavlyuchenkova among trio of Russian medallists at last games
This means as well that Andrey Rublev and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova could defend their mixed doubles crown that they won in Tokyo in the rescheduled 2020 edition. They won three medals as a nation.
Read also
Karen Khachanov sealed the men's singles silver medal losing to Alexander Zverev, while Aslan Karatsev and Elena Vesnina won the silver for Russia in the final with Rublev and Pavlyuchenkova. Since then of course, the war with the Ukraine has broken out which has seen many Ukrainian athletes asking for bans on Russians at the Olympic Games.
But with the news today, their wishes have not been granted as they will still be able to play. Albeit there are strict entry rules as per the IOC including the following pertinent to tennis players.
- Qualified athletes with a Russian or Belarusian passport will be entered as, and compete as, Individual Neutral Athletes (“AINs”).
- Teams of athletes with a Russian or Belarusian passport will not be considered.
- Athletes who actively support the war will not be eligible to be entered or to compete.
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Iga needs to make a decision whether she wants to continue the sport of tennis or pursue whatever she has going on in her personal life. One can tell that tennis is no longer an interest of hers. She should retire while she is on top, not when she slides to the bottom of the rankings. She has too much talent to look how she does on the court these days. She looks more like a wild card than a champion.crissy09-09-2026
- Looks like tennis has become a part of the American Oligarchy. As usual, Pegula is given a cupcake draw. With all her money, they have to fixed the draws in her favor in order to raised the trophy.crissy09-09-2026
- Huge win for Ben! He needed this. Amazing that Alcaraz took over four months off and still was able to make the QF’s and take Ben to a fifth set tie break! Insane tennis. Tiafoe vs. Shelton should be a good one too. Americans might finally get their US Open Champion after 23 years!DaveyWavey09-09-2026
- No one else would get away with this but these AMERCANS! It’s the US Open!! In America!! But sure, go off American ;)DaveyWavey08-09-2026
- WOW !!! Her comebacks have been intense. She's Baaaaack!
mandoist08-09-2026 - Don't lay this shitshow on "Americans". It is a long-running Ego trip with WTA allowing these two Elitists 'in need of a Camera' illicit Wildcards. If these two clowns want to "perform" -- then play the qualies.mandoist08-09-2026
- Here we go again…. Different rules for Americans! Especially THESE Americans. Yuck!DaveyWavey07-09-2026
- It almost feels like they’re on their own “Legacy Tour” by playing these events … but losing each one! No press = $$$ fineDaveyWavey07-09-2026
- Love to listen to Mirra. However, I'm worried about her eyesight if she thinks oversized lips is "pretty".mandoist06-09-2026
- One of the most amazing comebacks in a long, long time. It happens (and Keys shouldn't lose her crackers over this). If Madison starts playing Dress-up and walking out on court like some fantasy character with a Mental Problem... then she should really start worrying!mandoist06-09-2026
Loading
