Russian players can continue to compete on the tour but not under the name of flag of country (AFP Photo)

Tennis players from Russia and Belarus can compete on ATP, WTA tour; banned from team events

The ATP and the WTA, in a joint statement, condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine and banned the country and Belarus from team events. However, players from both the countries can continue to compete on the tour level but not under the name of the flag.

by · India Today

HIGHLIGHTS

  • The ATP and WTA condemned Russia's 'act of aggression' against Ukraine
  • Russian players banned from team events, ITF suspends tennis federation
  • Russian players can compete on tour but not under the name of flag of country

The governing body of men and women's tennis, the ATP and the WTA, said on Wednesday that Russian and Belarusian players will no longer be able to compete in team evens, including the prestigious Davis Cup, as they condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine and announced the sanctions.

However, Russian and Belarusian players will be allowed to compete on the tour, including Grand Slam tournaments, but not under the name or the flag of their countries.

"The WTA and ATP Boards have also made the decision to suspend the WTA/ATP combined event, scheduled this October in Moscow. The ITF Board has made the decision to suspend the Russian Tennis Federation and Belarus Tennis Federation membership," a statement said.

The decision comes after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. "The international governing bodies of tennis stand united in our condemnation of Russia’s actions." the ATP and the WTA said in a joint statement.

The ATP and the WTA also lauded the tennis players who condemned the "unacceptable act of aggression" against Ukraine. Notably, Russian tennis stars Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev spoke out against the war while competing on the tour in Mexico and Dubai last month.

"A deep sense of distress, shock and sadness has been felt across the entire tennis community following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in the past week.

"Our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine, and we commend the many tennis players who have spoken out and taken action against this unacceptable act of aggression. We echo their calls for the violence to end and peace to return," the tennis bodies said in the statement.

It is unclear whether Russia will be able to compete in the lucrative team-based ATP Cup in Australia. Russia made the semi-finals of the 2022 event in January and won the 2021 tournament.