Wimbledon! The home of strawberries and cream, Pimms on Henman Hill, all-white clothing and our game’s biggest virtue signallers.
Earlier this month the Wimbledon board announced they were lifting the ban on Russian and Belarusian players, enabling them to compete in this year’s championships.
Watch Tennis Live with beIN SPORTS on Kayo. Live Coverage of ATP + WTA Tour Tournaments and Every Finals Match. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
Upon hearing this news, I instantly thought back to the decision by the same board 12 months ago to deny this same group of players the opportunity to compete on Wimbledon’s hallowed turf.
As an elected member on the ten-man ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) Player council, I had front row seats to the drama that unfolded behind the scenes last April.
I was at the forefront in representing all players, including those from Russia and Belarus, in the attempt to have the best possible solution for all parties.
But what transpired was Wimbledon at their grandstanding best.
In no way, shape, or form do I, the ATP or WTA condone the abhorrent war in Ukraine.
But do I believe that Wimbledon made the wrong decision in the banning all players from the two countries involved in the invasion? Most certainly.
Back in April 2022 word had come to the player council that the direction from the UK Government was clear when it came to Russians and Belarusians competing.
Ultimately it was Wimbledon’s decision to make, but they had been given two options.
The first being that players from Russia and Belarus play under a neutral flag and sign a confidential document that they do not support Putin’s war on Ukraine.
The second option tabled was to ban these players from playing – no exceptions.
It seemed clear and obvious to the members of the player council that option one was the path forward.
However with zero consultation to the players council, the ATP, WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) or even a conversation with those players about to be banned, Wimbledon went ahead and chose option two.
Rumours started to fly as to why tournament officials decided on the blanket ban – but the whisper that was loudest was the fear of a moment of “sportswashing” for Russian President Vladimir Putin.
More specifically, officials were fearful of the optics of then-Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton, the royal patron of the All England Club, presenting the winner’s trophy, on Centre Court’s 100-year anniversary, to a Russian player.
Understandably, the banned players were upset.
Not only with the refusal of being able to play but the fact that they hadn’t even been consulted prior to the decision.
A phone call resulted in the Russian and Belarusian players pleading their case to Wimbledon officials.
Most, despite safety concerns, would have signed the document declaring they didn’t support Putin’s war.
They would also refuse to do any media in case it was used in Russian propaganda.
Prizemoney would be donated to Ukraine aid and if someone from the two countries was to win silverware, they would not attend the trophy presentation.
One top-ranked Russian player even said that they would play doubles with a Ukrainian.
What a statement against Putin and his regime that would have been, a chance to show through sport that respect and love for one another can conquer all!
Unfortunately, these pleas fell upon deaf ears. The ban on players would proceed and Wimbledon would take the high road.
The tournament was eventually played albeit with no ranking points handed out – a quirk that saw Nick Kyrgios handed no points for making the Wimbledon final.
Wimbledon received mostly positive press throughout the tournament and importantly for them no embarrassment would befall the club on its famous court’s anniversary.
Ironically, as it turned out, Elena Rybakina, Russian born and bred, playing under the Kazakhstan flag, would go on to win the championships, her trophy presented to her by Kate Middleton.
Wimbledon usually always puts on a great tournament, but I felt they clearly missed the mark last year.
Without players there is no tournament and banning more than fifty tennis stars without any consultation was a display of gross arrogance.
John Millman is an Aussie tennis veteran, with one ATP Tour title to his name and a victory over Roger Federer in the fourth round of the 2018 US Open.
You can follow him on Twitter here: @johnhmillman
