Wimbledon ban on Russian and Belarusian players 'unfair': Nadal

Rafael Nadal deemed Wimbledon's decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players from taking part in the Championships as "unfair", the Spanish tennis legend told reporters in Madrid on Sunday.

The 21-time major winner believes the All England Club chose "the most drastic option", and hopes the tours can find a way to interfere with the ban.

Wimbledon has been heavily criticised by both the ATP and WTA as well as players like Nadal's great rival Novak Djokovic for implementing the ban due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Belarus is deemed an ally of Russia's and permitted Russian troops to invade Ukraine from across their border.

The ban rules out a swathe of talented players including men's world number two Daniil Medvedev and last year's Wimbledon semi-finalist Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus.

"It's unfair for my Russian colleagues," said Nadal.

"In that sense it's not their fault what's happening in this moment with the war.

"I'm sorry for them. I wish it was not this way, but at the end of the day we know that this is what we have."

Nadal, who is returning to competitive play after a six week hiatus due to a rib injury, said it may fall upon him and his fellow players to take a stand.

"As a fellow player, what can I say? I feel sorry for them," said the 35-year-old two-time Wimbledon champion.

"I wish this was not the case.

"Let's see what happens in the coming weeks and let's see if we as players need to take a stand.

"There is something wrong."

Nadal criticised Wimbledon for going beyond their remit.

"When a government orders something, you need to follow the rules," he said.

"In this case, the government issued a recommendation and Wimbledon decided to impose the most drastic option without being forced to do so."

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