'Crazy' - Novak Djokovic slams Wimbledon's ban on Russian, Belarusian players from competing at the Grand Slam

Novak Djokovic has branded Wimbledon's decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players from competing at the Grand Slam as «crazy». The All England Club announced the controversial decision on Wednesday as a response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, meaning world No. 2 Daniil Medvedev and world No.5 Aryna Sabalenka will not take part in the tournament.

Ad/> Wimbledon is the first tennis tournament to ban individual athletes from the two countries and is the first time players have been banned due to their nationality since the immediate post-World War Two era when German and Japanese players were excluded. The ATP and WTA have condemned the All England Club for their position. Wimbledon'Unfair' — ATP, WTA slate Wimbledon's ban on Russian, Belarusian athletes14 HOURS AGO The world No.

1, who beat Laslo Djere in three sets in his opening match at the Serbian Open on Wednesday, says he cannot support Wimbledon's exclusion of Russian and Belarusian athletes. «I will always condemn war, I will never support war being myself a child of war,» the 20-time Grand Slam winner, who has won six Wimbledon titles, told reporters at the ATP 250 tournament. «I know how much emotional trauma it leaves.

In Serbia we all know what happened in 1999. In the Balkans we have had many wars in recent history. »However, I cannot support the decision of Wimbledon, I think it is crazy.