Novak Djokovic criticizes Wimbledon's 'lose-lose' ban on Russian and Belarusian players

By Amy Woodyatt, CNN

Updated 0944 GMT (1744 HKT) May 24, 2022

Djokovic has been vocal in criticizing Wimbledon's decision.

(CNN)Wimbledon's decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players from this year's tournament following Russia's invasion of Ukraine is «wrong,» world number one Novak Djokovic said on Monday.

Wimbledon, the third of the four grand slams on the tennis calendar, is arguably the most famous tennis tournament in the world. But this year, the men's and women's professional tours, along with the International Tennis Federation (ITF), have opted to strip the grand slam of its ranking points followingthe decision from the tournament's organizers to ban Russians and Belarusians from playing in this year's event. «Collectively, I am glad that players got together and showed to the grand slam that when there is a mistake happening we have to show there will be some consequences,» Djokovic told reporters on Monday.Tennis tours strip ranking points at Wimbledon over decision to ban Russian and Belarusian playersThe ban on Russian players will prevent several high ranked players from competing at the iconic grass court slam.«I think it (Wimbledon's ban) was a wrong decision. I don't support that at all. But at these times, it is a sensitive subject and whatever you decide will create a lot of conflict,» he added.Read MoreThe All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) said in a statement Friday it stands by its decision. Wimbledon organizers said in April that Russians and Belarusians would not be allowed to compete at this year's tournament.In a statement, the AELTC said it remained «unwilling to accept success or participation at Wimbledon being used to benefit the propaganda machine of the Russian regime, which, through