‘The Decision Is Not Right’ – Rafael Nadal Once Again Quashes Wimbledon’s Ban on Russian Tennis Players

Last month, Wimbledon announced a massive decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players from the tournament this year. This ruling was announced on the back of rising geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe. Further, this decision has put a massive blow to the likes of Daniil Medvedev, Aryna Sabalenka, and Andrey Rublev. While some welcomed Wimbledon’s decision, many fellow players on the tour slammed this decision. Recently, Rafael Nadal opened up about this ruling.

Wimbledon is one of the premier tournaments on the tennis calendar. Players look forward to playing on the grass courts at Wimbledon. However, the players from Russia and Belarus will have to miss the tournament this year.

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Rafael Nadal disagrees with Wimbledon’s decision

During an interview, the 21-times Grand Slam champion talked about Wimbledon’s decision to exclude players based on nationalities. He said, “The Russian tennis players in particular are not to blame, the decision is not right.” (Translated using Google Translate)

“I tennisti russi nello specifico non hanno colpe, la decisione non è giusta.”

– @RafaelNadal a #CTCF da @fabfazio sulla decisione di Wimbledon di escludere i tennisti russi. pic.twitter.com/XSnzo3leAe

— Che Tempo Che Fa (@chetempochefa) May 9, 2022

However, this isn’t the first time that Nadal has criticized Wimbledon’s decision. During last week’s Madrid Open, Nadal, referring to Russian and Belarusian tennis players, said, “It’s not their fault what’s happening in this moment with the war. I’m sorry for them. Wimbledon just took their decision. … The government didn’t force them to do it. Let’s see what happens in the next weeks, if the players will take some kind of decision in that regard.”

Mar 19, 2022; Indian Wells, CA, USA; Rafael Nadal (ESP) reacts after missing a shot during a victory over Carlos Alcaraz (ESP) in their semifinal match in the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

World Number 1, Novak Djokovic, and American legend Billie Jean King also voiced their opinions against Wimbledon’s decision.

Nadal to play in Italy

The reigning Australian Open champion is in Rome to participate at the Italian Open. Nadal is the third seed at the tournament and has got a bye in the opening round. Further, in the second round, he’ll face the winner of the match between Francisco Cerundolo and John Isner.

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Like Madrid, Nadal and Djokovic are in the same half of the draw. Can Nadal prevail in Italy? Let us know your views in the comments below.

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