Novak Djokovic and Martina Navratilova, for example, condemned the start ban for Russians and Belarusians due to the invasion of Ukraine. Now Nadal has added, saying that a move against players from these countries is not fair, “I think this is an unfair decision against my colleagues. They cannot blame the war,” Reuters quoted him as saying.
It is no great surprise that Stachovsky, who by the way defeated Roger Federer at Wimbledon by the way, is now speaking out against his words, and is now defending the Russian invasion in his country with weapons in hand.
@RafaelNadal we competed together.. we’ve played each other on tour. Please tell me how it is fair that Ukrainian players cannot return home? How it is fair that Ukrainian kids cannot ply tennis? How is it fair that Ukrainians are dying ? https://t.co/l3bZtBEfsU
— Sergiy Stakhovsky (@Stako_tennis) May 2, 2022
“We played together, we went on tour against each other,” Stachovsky told Nadal on Twitter. “So please tell me, is it fair that Ukrainians can’t return home now? is it fair that Ukrainians are dying? ” wrote the former 31st player in the world and the winner of four ATP singles tournaments.
Surely the ban of russians is “unnecessary”. After all russia is a peaceful country which slaughters civilians left and right, threatens the world with nuclear strikes. But no russians are not at fault..they cannot be blamed..it’s only putin. NONfSENSE https://t.co/8kXDx3IVjU
— Sergiy Stakhovsky (@Stako_tennis) May 2, 2022
While the Russians and Belarusians can continue to start on the ATP and WTA circuits, the leadership of the All England Club decided to take a radical step and excluded the representatives of both countries from the tournament.
Former first world player Andy Murray was somewhat torn from the verdict.
“I am afraid there is no right solution. We spoke with Russian and Ukrainian tennis players and I am sorry for everyone who cannot play. And I understand that this may seem unfair to them, but I also know that the people of Wimbledon are not in an easy position, “said Brit.
Russia has been waging a brutal bloody war in Ukraine (including the use of Belarusian territory) for over two months, as a result of which more than 11 million people have had to flee their homes, according to UN figures.
