Russian tennis star Aslan Karatsev wore a T-shirt with a statement which read ‘Wimbledon’ along with a British flag and a silhouette of himself serving following the announcement that Russian and Belarusian players will be banned from competing at Wimbledon.
Sports stars from Russia and Belarus continue to face uncertain futures after Vladimir Putin's widely-condemned military assault on neighbouring Ukraine back in February. Millions have fled the country, and the European response has spilled over into the sporting arena on various fronts.
Last week, Wimbledon officials announced such players will be barred from taking part in the prestigious tournament, which begins in June. It means the likes of US Open champion Daniil Medvedev, World No. 4 Aryna Sabalenka and World No. 8 Andrey Rublev will not be playing the grass-court Grand Slam.
