Germany’s top players are dissatisfied that the traditional tournament is going its own way and, unlike other events, wants to exclude Russian players. In addition, Zverev questions the meaningfulness of the world rankings in the long run.
Tennis Olympic champion Alexander Zverev has criticized the Wimbledon exclusion of Russian and Belarusian tennis professionals. “The decision shows that the different tennis communities do not stand together. We play on the men’s tour all year round with one rule. Namely, that Russian tennis players are not allowed to play under the Russian flag. Wimbledon does what they want,” said the 25-year-old on Friday before the clay court tournament in Munich.
At the same time, Zverev supported the decision of the world association ITF to exclude Russia and Belarus from team competitions such as the Davis Cup. “I think that’s completely correct, because these are really sanctions against Russia,” explained Zverev.
In response to the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, the Wimbledon organizers announced on Wednesday that professionals from Russia and Belarus would not be allowed to take part in the grass classic from June 27th to July 10th. Among others, the world number two Daniil Medvedev from Russia, Zverev’s buddy Andrei Rublev and the world number four Aryna Sabalenka from Belarus are affected.
Zverev: “So it makes no sense to have the ranking”
In this context, Germany’s best tennis pro also pointed out the consequences of the Wimbledon decision. “At some point the tennis rankings don’t make sense either. If you’re not allowed to play a Grand Slam as a top player, it doesn’t make sense to have the rankings,” said Zverev.
Zverev himself was born in Hamburg and has Russian parents. His brother Mischa, who had also criticized the decision, was born in Moscow. As his brother’s manager, Mischa also works with the Ukrainian Sergei Bubka junior.
Novak Djokovic had previously criticized the Wimbledon decision. He thinks the exclusion of players from Russia and Belarus is “crazy,” said the Serb.
