Revolt over Wimbledon Russia ban

Stars’ threat over ranking points

MOMENTUM appears to be growing among male players to strip Wimbledon and other UK grass court events of official ranking points this summer. Representatives on the ATP Tour are, according to knowledgeable sources, in favour of taking a hard line over the banning of Russians — including world no2 daniil medvedev (below) — and Belarusians announced last month.

Although there is sympathy with the all England club over the pressure being placed on it by the Government, at stake is the principle that players should not be barred from competing due to the sins of their national leaders.

Meetings of the ATP hierarchy have taken place last week in madrid and over the past few days in Rome. Those sitting on the Player council are said to feel particularly strongly about the issue, although a final decision is not due until later this week.

Wimbledon is independent of the tour, but the ATP own the ranking system that operates year-round. If no points were offered, it could effectively reduce the SW19 fortnight to the status of a high-paying exhibition.

The grass court build-up events, such as the cinch championships at Queen’s club, are an integral part of the tour and can expect a punishment for going against the policy of letting Russians and Belarusians play with neutral status.

It had been expected that these tournaments, owned by the Lawn Tennis association, would receive a fine. Ranking point deductions would escalate the dispute and see many opt to play at concurrent grass court events in Europe. Some will be very unhappy with that outcome. The ATP are keen to act in concert with their female counterparts, the WTA Tour, so there may be more discussion behind the scenes before a firm way forward is established.