Wimbledon championships stripped of tanking points following Russian ban

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In a swift and firm response to Wimbledon’s decision to ban Russian and Belarusian athletes from this year’s competition, the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), which acts as the governing body for women’s tennis, has announced that they are stripping Wimbledon of ranking points.

The act of stripping the tournament of its ranking points essentially makes this year’s Wimbledon an exhibition event for women’s players.

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General view of the ball crew during the Ladies' Singles Final match between Ashleigh Barty of Australia and Karolina Pliskova of The Czech Republic at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 10, 2021 in London, England. (AELTC - Pool/Getty Images)

Though technically not yet official, Steve Simon, the WTA’s Chief Executive, formally recommended the idea earlier this week. It’s widely expected that his suggestion will be ratified prior to week’s end by the WTA’s main board and its player’s council.

The move was considered a must after Wimbledon refused to change their stance on Russian and Belarusian participants, prompting near universal complaints. Amongst those voicing their displeasure were Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, arguably the two biggest names on the men’s circuit.

After the WTA made their decision, speculation surrounding the men’s tour — the ATP — has begun to surface. The thought of the ATP siding with the WTA and opting to strip ranking points for Wimbledon now becomes a very real likelihood.

General view during the Ladies' Singles Final match between Ashleigh Barty of Australia and Karolina Pliskova of The Czech Republic at All England Lawn Tennis and