"It makes no sense" - Azarenka speaks out against Wimbledon ban

Wimbledon’s decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players from this year’s tournament ‘makes no sense,’ according to Victoria Azarenka.

The former world No.1 has hit out at officials at the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) over their move which has divided opinion within the sport. Earlier this year a joint-statement issued by the seven governing bodies outlined that players from those countries will still be allowed to play on the Tour but as neutral athletes as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine which began on February 24th.

However, both Wimbledon and the British LTA have gone one step further by implementing a clear ban. Wimbledon said there is ‘no viable alternative’ after taking into account advice from their government. Azarenka was asked about it at the Madrid Open, she said:

“If you are asking me if I agree with Wimbledon or I see their reasoning after being on a personal call with them, I don’t see their reasoning. It does not make sense and it does not connect to what they are saying.”

Asked whether she would take some action against it she was unsure calling it a complicated situation while also expressing the belief that some sort of action should be taken:

"I think there should be a reaction to that, that is all I want to say. I have made my stance very clear on the issue. I will never, ever support war. I will never support violence. I will never find any justifications for that. That is all I can say right now.”

Azarenka and Sabalenka are both unable to attend the event due to the ban.