Wimbledon in talks with UK Government amid reports of ban on Russian players

Wimbledon officials are in ongoing talks with the UK government regarding the participation of Russian and Belarusian players in this year's championships.

Reports have suggested men's world No 2 Daniil Medvedev could be banned from the tournament due to fears a Russian victory would boost Vladimir Putin’s regime amid the invasion of Ukraine.

Russian and Belarusian athletes have so far been permitted to continue playing in ATP, WTA and ITF competitions as long as they do so under a neutral flag and with no anthem played.

But it is understood the All England Club, which hosts Wimbledon, may be allowed to implement a ban on players from those countries without risk of legal repercussions due to its independent tournament status.

Organisers are currently liaising with a number of bodies, including Government and the Lawn Tennis Association, ahead of announcing a verdict before next month’s entry deadline.

"We have noted the UK government’s guidance regarding the attendance of Russian and Belarusian individuals in a neutral capacity at sporting events in the UK," read a statement from the All England Club.

"This remains a complex and challenging issue, and we are continuing to engage in discussion with the UK government, the LTA, and the international governing bodies of tennis.

"We plan to announce a decision in relation to Wimbledon ahead of our entry deadline in mid-May."

Wimbledon is scheduled to take place from Monday, 27 June until Sunday, 10 July.

UK sports minister Nigel Huddleston has previously called for all Russian and Belarusian athletes to prove they are "genuinely neutral" and give assurances they do not support or receive money from Putin or the Russian regime.

US Open champion Medvedev is currently the most