Marion Bartoli thinks Wimbledon was put in a situation where they had no other choice but to end their ban on Russian and Belarusian players. On March 31st, Wimbledon announced that Russian and Belarusian players will be allowed to compete at 2023 Wimbledon, as long as they agree on a set of certain conditions.
In February, it was reported that the ATP and WTA threatened the LTA to pull all ATP and WTA tournaments from Great Britain if another ban on Russian and Belarusian players happened. “As a member I received that news probably a bit earlier than the press.
They were put into a situation where they just couldn’t have the whole LTA circuit in the balance, that was too much to handle. That would take away a lot of opportunities for British players to play in the grasscourt season, with the wildcards and the possibility to earn some points,” Bartoli told Tennis Majors.
Bartoli: Wimbledon didn’t have the support from the rest of the tennis world
Last year, Wimbledon was the only tournament that decided to ban Russian and Belarusian players from competing. This year, there was no indication that any tournament except Wimbledon could ban Russian and Belarusian players from competing.
As a result, Wimbledon found themselves in an uncomfortable and unfavorable situation. “I think probably because they were the only ones standing behind that idea, they were just left with no solution. They have tried their hardest but unfortunately they were left with no other options, it was just not possible for them to continue with the ban.
Which is something I regret, obviously. But the WTA and the ATP, I am guessing, stands for the fact that every individual has the chance to compete, despite everything else, religion, nationality. Based on that you can’t just breach all these contracts, you can’t just breach all those rules.
Wimbledon tried last year, they saw the results. They have been trying again this year but have left with no other choice,” Bartoli said.
