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Wimbledon chiefs slam 'disproportionate' removal of ranking points by ATP and WTA

Wimbledon chiefs hit back ON Friday at the "disproportionate" decisions taken by tennis' main tours to strip the Grand Slam of its ranking points following the ban on players from Russia and Belarus in response to the invasion of Ukraine. The tours said they had to act in order to stop players from Russia and Belarus being discriminated against on political grounds. But the All England Club, which runs Wimbledon, expressed their "deep disappointment" at the moves made by the ATP (men's), WTA (women's) and ITF (junior and wheelchair events).

Wimbledon stripped of ranking points by ATP and WTA over Russia, Belarus ban

Wimbledon had its ranking points stripped by the ATP and WTA Tours on Friday over its decision to exclude players from Russia and Belarus at this year's Championships due to Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. Tennis' governing bodies have banned Russia and Belarus from international team competitions following the invasion, which Moscow calls a 'special operation', but allowed players from the two countries to continue competing as neutrals.

Wimbledon Stripped Of Ranking Points Over Russia And Belarus Ban

Wimbledon, widely regarded as the world's most prestigious tennis tournament, was stripped of ranking points on Friday by the sport's main tours in a move which threatens to reduce the Grand Slam to the status of a high-profile exhibition event. The decision by the ATP and WTA was in response to Wimbledon banning Russian and Belarusian players following the invasion of Ukraine. "It is with great regret and reluctance that we see no option but to remove ATP Ranking points from Wimbledon for 2022," said an ATP statement.

Novak Djokovic And Rafael Nadal Bid To Derail Carlos Alcaraz Hype At French Open

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, with 41 Grand Slam titles between them, will attempt to derail the growing hype surrounding teenage sensation Carlos Alcaraz at the French Open from Sunday. All three have been placed in the top-half of the draw, meaning only one will make the Roland Garros final. Defending champion Djokovic is seeded to face 13-time winner Nadal in the quarter-finals. Alcaraz is a potential semi-final opponent. "I feel I am always in contention to fight for any Grand Slam trophy," said Djokovic who arrives in Paris fired up by his inability to defend his Australian Open title in January when he was deported over his vaccination status.