‘When Politics Interfere With Sport It Usually Doesn’t Turn Out Well’ – Novak Djokovic Calls Out Wimbledon Championships’ Decision to Ban Russian Players

The rising tensions in Eastern Europe have kept the world on the brink. With the supply-chain disruptions and rising oil prices putting economic stress on nations, the conflict has affected the entire world. Moreover, the sporting world has been affected, too. Yesterday, Wimbledon Championships’ announced a decision to ban Russian athletes to participate in this year’s tournament. However, World Number 1, Novak Djokovic, has disagreed with its decision.

The Serb is having difficult times of his own. He has had to miss quite a few tournaments this year. Additionally, his form has been shaky, and he has struggled in the tournaments that he has played.

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Djokovic is in his hometown where he is playing at the Serbia Open. During an interview, he opened up on Wimbledon Championships’ decision to ban Russian players.

Novak Djokovic slams the decision to ban Russian athletes from Wimbledon

Talking about this major decision announced by Wimbledon yesterday, the Serb said, “Ordinary people always suffer – we’ve had lots of wars in the Balkans. (…) I cannot support the Wimbledon decision. It’s not the athletes’ fault. When politics interfere with sport, it usually doesn’t turn out well.”

Djokovic, who himself lived a war in his childhood.

“Ordinary people always suffer – we’ve had lots of wars in the Balkans. (…) I cannot support the Wimbledon decision. It’s not the athletes’ fault. When politics interfere with sport, it usually doesn’t turn out well.”

— José Morgado (@josemorgado) April 20, 2022

Moreover, this decision will severely affect the top players in the world like Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev. The former is having troubled times this year after winning the US Open title last season. He had a heart-breaking loss against Rafael Nadal in the finals of the Australian Open. Further, he reached the top spot in the ATP rankings, before shortly losing it.

Mar 31, 2022; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Daniil Medvedev wipes his face between points against Hubert Hurkacz (POL)(not pictured) in a men’s singles quarterfinal in the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Medvedev had a dismal campaign at the ‘Sunshine Double’. He lost in the third round in Indian Wells and the quarterfinals of the Miami Open. Subsequently, he missed the Monte Carlo Masters after undergoing surgery on a hernia. Moreover, he is a major doubt for the French Open, too.

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This has put his hopes of reclaiming the Number 1 ranking from Djokovic in limbo. It remains to be seen how can he cope with this latest setback.

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