Controversy on Centre Court
One Russian player confirmed, another likely, but sponsor is committed to Classic
ARussian women’s tennis player will compete at Auckland’s ASB Classic. World No 80 Anna Blinkova has entered January’s tournament, with another Russian Varvara Gracheva (94) the first alternate. She would gain main draw entry if if there are any withdrawals.
Blinkova was among the direct acceptances released by tournament director Nicolas Lamperin yesterday.
Reports earlier this year suggested that principal sponsor ASB Bank would consider taking a political stance by removing its branding from the tournament, if
Russian and Belarussian players were allowed to take to the court.
However, ASB is believed to have opted against a protest and the tournament will be business as usual.
In a joint statement released by ASB, Tennis Auckland and Tennis New Zealand in October, the bank confirmed its financial support for the tournament would remain regardless of Russian involvement.
“Media reports this week have speculated about the involvement of Russian or Belarusian players in the January 2023 event,” the statement read. “To be clear, the 2023 tournament will go ahead as planned with ASB’S full financial support.
“Under Women’s Tennis Association and Association of
Tennis Professionals regulations tournament organisers must allow Russian and Belarusian players to enter the tournament if they are sufficiently well ranked.
“We understand Tennis Auckland and Tennis New Zealand are in a difficult position.
“There is no suggestion that ASB would withdraw its significant financial support for the tournament should Russian or Belarusian players compete.”
Yesterday, England’s Lawn Tennis Association was fined US$1 million by the ATP men’s professional tour for banning players from Russia and Belarus from its grasscourt events.
The governing body of British tennis banned the players from five Wimbledon warm-up tournaments following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The ATP, which oversees men’s tennis outside of the Grand Slams, also warned the LTA it could lose its membership in the organisation if it repeats the ban.
“We stand by our original position on this matter, that unilateral decision-making by members of the ATP Tour threatens our ability to operate as a global sport,” the ATP said in a statement.
“We believe that the measures taken protect the long-term future of our game and its commitment to merit-based participation, without discrimination, for individual athletes. We have no further comment.”
The LTA said it “deeply disappointed” with the tour’s action.