ATP and WTA strip Wimbledon of ranking points due to ban on Russians and Belarusians

Wimbledon organisers have expressed "deep disappointment" after this summer's championships were stripped of their ATP and WTA ranking points following the decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players.

The organisers also stressed they stood by the call, made in the wake of the invasion of Ukraine, to impose the ban for SW19 this year, calling it "the only viable decision".

A Wimbledon statement read: "We appreciate that opinions differ in relation to our decision to decline entries from Russian and Belarusian players to the championships this year and we deeply regret the impact of this decision on the individuals affected.

"However, given the position taken by the UK government to limit Russia’s global influence, which removed automatic entry by ranking, and the widespread response of government, industry, sport and creative institutions, we remain of the view that we have made the only viable decision for Wimbledon as a globally renowned sporting event and British institution, and we stand by the decision we have made.

"We…wish to state our deep disappointment at the decisions taken by the ATP, WTA and ITF (International Tennis Federation) in removing ranking points for the championships.

"We believe these decisions to be disproportionate in the context of the exceptional and extreme circumstances of this situation and the position we found ourselves in, and damaging to all players who compete on tour.

"We are considering our options, and we are reserving our position at this stage. We are also in discussion with our grand slam colleagues."

The ATP had earlier said Wimbledon’s stance set "a damaging precedent".

"The ability for players of any nationality to enter tournaments based on merit, and without discrimination, is