Wimbledon has lifted a controversial ban on Russian and Belarusian players from competing at this summer’s Championships, with the All England Club admitting it has been forced into an “incredibly difficult decision” due to “consequences” which if continued would be “damaging” to British tennis.
Players from the two countries will be asked to sign declarations of neutrality and have been told they must not support Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Players who received funding or sponsorship from the Russiana and Belarusian states will remain banned.
