Ranking points loss harms players most
We were put in an impossible position over the conflict in Ukraine but made the correct decision over Russian entrants
This year’s Wimbledon marks 100 years since the first players stepped out onto our legendary Centre Court at Church Road in SW19. We celebrate one of Britain’s sporting crown jewels – and honour the remarkable champions who have graced our grass over the decades.
It is, importantly, also a time to look to the future. No one can rest on their laurels. Our peers across the sporting world continue to enhance and innovate. We must challenge ourselves to ensure Wimbledon remains at the pinnacle of world sport for generations to come.
This year, we are introducing new features. Most notably, we begin a tradition of playing on Middle Sunday, with advances in grass-court care and maintenance techniques meaning the grass can manage without a day of rest. More people will be able to access Wimbledon, which we hope will help to grow the sport.
Centre Court has received a facelift. A striking central entrance for players has been created, and they will also enjoy a longer runback behind the baseline. We will be encouraging all guests to think “Environment Positive” every day.
With full capacity crowds back from day one for the first time since the pandemic, it will be thrilling to see and hear the bustle back around the grounds. We are, though, acutely aware that this year is particularly poignant for reasons that go beyond tennis. We made the difficult decision not to accept entries from Russian and Belarusian players. In keeping with the widespread response of many global institutions, including the guidance for sport from the Government, we were compelled to act in this truly exceptional situation. Made with deep regret for the individuals affected, as a leading British institution, we are clear it was the only viable option in the circumstances of Wimbledon. We respect that opinions may differ. It was an impossible position to be put in. And it is for that reason that we consider the decision of the men’s and women’s tours to remove ranking points from this year’s Championships to be disappointing, damaging more players than it benefits.
For now, we are focused on staging an exceptional Championships that will confirm Wimbledon’s position as the most prestigious event in the game, for players and fans alike.
Our hard work continues, ensuring the future of Wimbledon for the next century. Our Wimbledon Park Project is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Our vision is to transform the neighbouring private golf course into an open space with new facilities. We will create London’s first new public park in years; protect and enhance the central lake, including a perimeter boardwalk; increase biodiversity across the site; maintain the heritage of the landscape; and provide tennis and other benefits for the community.
It will enable us to bring our qualifying event on-site for the first time – aligning with all the other grand slams. The world-class venue will nurture grass-court tennis and enhance the Championships and, in doing so, further secure our major financial contribution to the Lawn Tennis Association and British tennis.
Great institutions cannot remain static. Wimbledon is no exception. We wish this year to celebrate the past but, importantly, also to embark on the next century with our vision. One built on the same principles – maintaining tradition through innovation, enduring and sustainable values and a determination to remain at the pinnacle of sport.
Made with deep regret for the individuals affected, we are clear our decision was the only viable option