ATP Spares 2 British Tournaments for Banning Russians | Sports News
The Queen and Eastbourne tournaments escaped punishment from the ATP on Monday for banning Russian and Belarusian players.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine prompted the British Lawn Tennis Association and the All England Club-the host of Wimbledon-to ban Russian and Belarusian players from the British grass-court season.
The ATP and WTA were opposed at the time.
On Monday, the ATP said “Queen’s and Eastbourne will continue as normal, offering ATP ranking points.”
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It said it consulted with their player and tournament councils.
“The LTA’s decision to ban Russian and Belarusian athletes, however, is contrary to ATP rules and weakens the ability of players of any nationality to enter tournaments based on merit, and without discrimination – a basic principles of the ATP Tour, ”it said in a statement.
“Penalties related to LTA’s violation of ATP rules will now be reviewed separately under ATP management. ATP’s response to Wimbledon’s decision remains under scrutiny, with much more to be announced in due course.”
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