Second ranked player in the men’s singles, Daniil Medvedev, might be banned from participating in Wimbledon this year. If reports emerging out of the western media are to be believed, Wimbledon – one of the four Grand Slam tournaments in the world has chosen to take this decision in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Alongside Russian athletes, Belarusian players will also not be allowed to take part in the tournament for their country’s support towards Russia.

Earlier in March, Tennis sporting bodies across the world were quick to ban Russian from team competitions, but individual players from Russia were allowed to participate in the absence of the national flag.

As it stands, the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) that organises the tournament is in the works to stop participation of players like Medvedev, eight ranked Andrey Rublev, and Wimbledon semi finalist from last year Aryna Sabalenka. The AELTC had earlier said that they were in talks with the British government over the matter and would announce their decision by mid April. The matter came to fore after UK Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston publicly suggested that the Russian players should go on record and criticise Vladimir Putin and his acts on Ukraine and only then they should be allowed to take part in the competition.

The prestigious Wimbledon is a grass court tournament scheduled to begin from 27 June and will run up to 10 July.