‘It was a mistake!’ – John McEnroe challenges Tim Henman over Wimbledon ban of Russian and Belarusian players

John McEnroe and Tim Henman were involved in a lively debate over the decision by Wimbledon to ban Russian and Belarusian players, and the subsequent move by the ATP and WTA tours to strip the tournament of ranking points. Wimbledon banned players from Russia and Belarus due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, saying they had «no viable alternative within the framework of the government's position».

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1 Naomi Osaka says she is “leaning” towards not playing as it will feel like an “exhibition” event while American John Isner said the “currency on tour is points”. Four-time Wimbledon semi-finalist Henman is on the All England Lawn Tennis Club board and said earlier in the day he does not expect the top players to miss the tournament.

But his views were challenged by seven-time Grand Slam champion McEnroe on Eurosport… Henman: “She [Osaka] is speaking for herself, I think the vast majority of players would look at Wimbledon and the history and prestige and tradition of the event. Hemman not expecting stars to skip Wimbledon Wilander, Henman back Osaka to return to top “For a top player like Naomi, she is capable of winning any tournament she plays, so the idea that she could have the opportunity of winning a Wimbledon title and would turn that down I was surprised to hear, but that’s her prerogative." McEnroe: “I think it was a mistake by Wimbledon to do what they did, and it’s compounded by the fact the ATP and the WTA say there are no points.

I don’t see how that helps the players. “If the players really believe that