John McEnroe, in an interview with Eurosport, focused on the possible confirmation of the ban for Russian and Belarusian players from Wimbledon 2023. Former US legend explained: “Obviously everything that is happening during the war is horrible and people deal with this situation differently.
Last year I opposed the Wimbledon decision. Again this year I would not agree. I don’t know what they will decide to do. It’s a situation that nobody wants. So hopefully something will change and they will allow tennis players to play.
It happens that in our sport some of the best tennis players come from Russia and Belarus. They shouldn’t be stung for something they don’t deal with.” McEnroe’s words are right in some point of views. Athletes are not responsible for the choices of their governments.
Preventing an athlete from taking part in such a prestigious event due to the choices of the political leaders of their countries is perhaps not the right direction. Australian Open 2023 way could be the right way. That is, to have athletes play, representing themselves, not their country.
A declaration that met with the firm opposition of the president of the Ukrainian National Olympic Committee Guttsait: “The International Olympic Committee has reaffirmed its commitment to allow everyone…
