Novak Djokovic’s former coach Nikola Pilic has condemned forms of Russophobia - including the widespread ban on Russian athletes competing in various sports - amid the Russian military invasion of Ukraine.
FIFA and UEFA have banned Russian teams and clubs from all their competitions until further notice, ruling them out of the men's World Cup in Qatar later this year and the Women's European Championships in England this summer. Russian club Spartak Moscow were also expelled from the Europa League, while UEFA terminated its sponsorship deal with energy firm Gazprom.
Elsewhere, the British Olympic Association issued a statement calling for the removal of Russia and Belarus from all top sporting competitions. Tennis’ leading bodies have opted to ban Russian and Belarusian from competing under their native flag.
Pilic operates a tennis academy near Munich where players such as World No. 1 Djokovic and Wimbledon 1991 winner Michael Stich were developed. He was asked about the sanctions against Russian players, and the 82-year-old made his feelings clear.
“It’s just a shame,” Pilic told Serbian outlet Kurir. “Did they do something similar when the Americans entered Iraq and killed over a million civilians there?
“Did they ban their tennis players from playing? They are exaggerating in any sense.”
Russian players must play under a neutral status with no anthem rather than represent their country’s flag. Ahead of Wimbledon this summer, British Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston suggested US Open champion Daniil Medvedev must give assurances that he condemns the actions of president Vladimir Putin.
The intense requirements do not surprise Pilic, who believes Russophobia has been brewing in Britain for the ‘last 150 years’. The Croat believes that while Medvedev could compete for the title at Wimbledon, he will not be in form ahead of the French Open in May.
“When you haven't played for a month, you need so much time after the operation and even more to come back... We've seen now with Nole, how it goes,” Pilic said, using Djokovic's struggles as an example following his vaccination saga that saw him deported from Australia.
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“When there is a big break, then big problems arise.”
Djokovic was unceremoniously dumped out of the Monte-Carlo Masters, falling to underdog Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 6-3 6-7 (5-7) 6-1 in the second round. The 20-time Grand Slam champion was clearly lacking match sharpness as the tournament was just the second event he has competed in since the turn of the year due to his vaccination status amid Covid restrictions.
Meanwhile, Medvedev updated fans on his progress as he returns from a hernia issue. The 26-year-old will undergo ‘easy workouts in a few days’ as he is feeling better.
