Iga Swiatek says tennis ban on Russian, Belarusian athletes 'was supposed to be made a year ago'

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Top-ranked tennis pro Iga Swiatek criticized the sport’s governing bodies on Wednesday, saying officials should have taken a stronger stance in banning Russian and Belarusian players following the invasion of Ukraine. 

Athletes from Russia and Belarus have been able to participate in WTA and ATP events as neutral athletes. Wimbledon announced in 2022 that these athletes would be banned from competition, a measure that was reversed this year. 

"The Championships" logo is seen at Centre Court during previews for the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club June 21, 2007, in London.  (Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

But Swiatek told the BBC Wednesday she felt tennis should have been more aggressive in taking a stand against Russian aggression. 

WIMBLEDON REVERSES STANCE ON RUSSIAN AND BELARUSIAN ATHLETES, LIFTS BAN FOR 2023 TOURNAMENT

"After World War II, German players were not allowed, as well as Japanese and Italian (players). And I feel like this kind of thing would show the Russian government that maybe it's not worth it," the Polish tennis pro told the British outlet. 

"I know it's a small thing because we are just athletes, a little piece in the world, but I feel like sport is pretty important and sport has always been used in propaganda."

Iga Swiatek of Poland celebrates a point against Ons Jabeur of Tunisia during their women’s singles finals match of the 2022 U.S. Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center Sept. 10, 2022, in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

Several international sports governing bodies are continuing