Ons Jabeur says banning of tennis players over politics is unfair

In light of Wimbledon’s ban on Russian and Belarusian players at this summer’s Championships, Tunisian tennis star Ons Jabeur insists that sports and politics should not mix.

The All England Club announced last week they would not be accepting entries for Wimbledon from Russian or Belarusian players due to the invasion of Ukraine — a decision that has been criticized by both WTA and ATP tours, as well as several stars of the game.

Jabeur sympathizes with her Ukrainian peers but can also understand how difficult it can be for Russian and Belarusian players to speak up against the war, and risk putting their families in danger back home.

“It’s a very tough decision, I understand what the Ukrainian people are going through and I am totally against war,” said world No.10 Jabeur.

“But what I’ve always been told for so many years is to never mix sports and politics.”

The talented North African has experienced firsthand what can happen when politics make their way into the sporting arena. She says she has received death threats in the past for supporting the Palestinian cause, and also faced backlash when she had to represent Tunisia against Israel in a Billie Jean King Cup tie two years ago.

“I’ve had some situations of my own, especially in the 2020 in BJK Cup when we were supposed to play Israel. I 100 percent feel very sorry for the Palestinian people and I feel sorry for the children that are dying every day for 74 years. So I don’t understand how it’s now okay to mix politics and sports,” said the 27-year-old.  

“What about all the other countries where people and children have been dying every day?

“For me, I don’t think we should mix politics and sports. It’s very sad what’s happening in the world and one thing