Wimbledon struggles to avoid shadow of Russia ban

This weekend Stakhovksy is 2,500km away from London, dressed in fatigues rather than tennis whites. The 36-year-old is armed, desperately fighting to hold back Russia's invasion of Ukraine. "This used to be us.... Now this is our @Wimbledon .... Last night 62 rockets were launched to attack different cities in Ukraine.. #stoprussia #boycottrussia #helpukraine @TheDolgo," tweeted Stakhovsky.

In his tweeted photographs, Stakhovksy is seen shaking hands with Federer after his 2013 victory. Also pictured is Ukrainian compatriot Alexandr Dolgopolov after his match against Federer at Wimbledon in 2017. Both men are retired from tennis; both are now in the military. Wimbledon, which starts on Monday, has banned all Russian and Belarusian players from this year's tournament. That ruled out men's world number one Daniil Medvedev and eighth-ranked Andrey Rublev. On the women's side, three of the top 20 are missing -- Aryna Sabalenka, Daria Kastakina and two-time major winner and former number one Victoria Azarenka. Stakhovsky wants Russians banned from all sports. However, six-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic believes that would be a step too far. "I just don't see how they have contributed to anything that is really happening. I don't feel it's fair," said Djokovic, adding that Russian and Belarusians be allowed to play under neutral flags. That's what happens in the week-in, week-out ATP and WTA tours. When Wimbledon announced its ban, the two tours retaliated by stripping the tournament of ranking points. "In terms of the response from the ATP, I didn't really agree with it. I just don't see who it helps," said two-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray. "All the players have still showed up to play here, so