Wimbledon: Russians, Belarusians who denounce invasion should be allowed to take part, says Elina Svitolina

Russian and Belarusian players who speak out against Russia's invasion of Ukraine should be allowed to compete at Wimbledon, says Elina Svitolina. The All England Tennis Club banned players from both countries from participating at this year's tournament on Wednesday. Ad/> The decision has been branded «unfair» by the ATP and WTA while world No.1 Novak Djokovic says the stance is «crazy».

Wimbledon'Crazy' — Djokovic slams Wimbledon's ban on Russian, Belarusian players3 HOURS AGO Svitolina, who is Ukrainian, believes Russian and Belarusian players who denounce the war should be allowed to take part in the third Grand Slam of the year. «We don't want them banned completely,» the world No. 20 told BBC Radio 5 Live.

«If players don't speak out against the Russian government then it is the right thing to ban them. »We just want them to speak up, if they are with us and the rest of the world or the Russian government. This is for me the main point.

«If they didn't choose, they didn't vote for this government, then it's fair they should be allowed to play and compete.» /> Svitolina says the blanket ban on all Russian of Belarusian players is «very, very sad». She added: «There are many Russian players who can do more. I can count one hand how many Russian and Belarusian players who have asked me how I'm doing, how is my family, is everyone safe? »That's why I feel a bit sad about this situation.

Personally some people should do a little bit more than they've done. It's mysterious. «The way Russian and Belarusian players have been treated is very, very sad.