World No. 1 Swiatek wants united front in Russian, Belarusian ban

Iga Swiatek on Wednesday called for the tennis governing organisations to unite in their decisions for the participation of Russian and Belarusian players in events, in order to avoid the “chaos” caused by Wimbledon’s unilateral decision to exclude them from this summer’s Championships.

The world number one has been outspoken in her support for Ukraine, wearing a ribbon with the country’s flag during her matches.

Wimbledon declared last week that Russian and Belarusian players would be barred from competing in this year’s competition owing to the invasion of Ukraine.

“The situation is getting like more and more chaotic, I would say,” Swiatek told reporters at the Madrid Open after announcing her withdrawal from the tournament due to a right shoulder injury.

“But I feel like it would be nice to have all these bodies making the proper decision so that we’re not going to have that kind of chaos.

“I feel like people are expecting us players to make the decision, but it’s pretty hard for us to make one because we know these people. We know each other. We are spending so much time on tour that it feels like we’re family.

“For sure it’s a tough situation and that’s why I think the actual people who are responsible for making this decision, they should make one decision that is going to last.”

The WTA and its male equivalent, the ATP, also slammed the All England Club’s decision.

Iga Swiatek did not say whether she thinks Wimbledon’s judgment is correct or not, and she believes she is not qualified to make a final statement on the subject.

“I don’t know what decision is right, because honestly, I’m 20 and it’s not like I’m saying that because I want to stay in a safe bubble. But honestly, I’ve never been involved in politics and it’s not like I know everything.

“It’s more like I still need to educate myself and I feel like I should educate myself a little bit more in that.

“So I can’t tell what’s the best decision that’s for sure. Making some moves that are going to help stop the war a little bit would be better.”

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