LAWYER EYES WIMBLEDON BAN
RUSSIAN and Belarusian players have hired a Paris human rights lawyer to investigate a possible challenge to their ban from Wimbledon and LTA events this summer.
The All England Club insists it has “no viable option” but to exclude players from both countries due to Government guidance following the invasion of Ukraine. The players are pressing to play under a neutral flag – like on the ATP and WTA Tours and at the French Open. Legal action will be considered if they are not allowed to play.
The ATP and WTA Tours held meetings in Madrid this week to discuss potential sanctions against Wimbledon and the LTA.
WTA Player Council representative Victoria Azarenka, of Belarus, claimed the Wimbledon ban made no sense. “A lot of people will be waiting to see the consequences of those decisions,” she said. “I think based on that, individuals can make their own choices.”
Azarenka came from a set down to defeat Tamara Zidansek 3-6 6-1 6-3 yesterday to reach the third round of the Madrid Masters for the first time since 2016. The former world No.1 said: “The longer the match went on the better I was playing and the more comfortable I felt. I think my attitude was really good today.”
Andy Murray will face Dominic Thiem in the first round of the tournament in a battle between two Grand Slam champions on the comeback trail.
While the Scot will play his first claycourt match for 18 months, the Austrian has lost all three of his matches since his return from a wrist injury.