Google News Adriano Panatta: "No Wimbledon for Russians is racism"
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Adriano Panatta, former Italian tennis player winner of the Roland Garros and Davis Cup, spoke about the ban on Russian and Belarusian tennis players from Wimbledon 2022. He said: "It is a shame that they cannot play. They veto, but then they continue to have relations with Russia.
It was what happened between Italy and Chile also in 1976. It is a form of racism if I go to Paris I am an Italian in France, I certainly do not represent Italy. Excluding Russian and Belarusian tennis players from Wimbledon is a big mistake that penalizes twenty players between men and women and the hypothesis of extending the decision also to the Internazionali d'Italia is a fool."ù Paolo Bertolucci added: "Excluding Russian and Belarusian tennis players from Wimbledon is a big mistake that penalizes twenty players between men and women and the hypothesis of extending the decision also to the Internazionali d'Italia is a joke.
I don't think there are times. to decide to oust the Russian and Belarusian tennis players from Rome. The IOC has so far recommended this path to the federations to sanction Putin's Russia, but now more than indicating it should decide.
Before Rome starts next Monday the Madrid tournament, it should have the same problem, let's see what will happen in Spain. "
Why Russian and Belarusian players will not play Wimbledon
The organizers of the Wimbledon tournament, following the hard line taken by the British government, have decided to exclude Russian and Belarusian tennis players from the third Grand Slam of the year.
The choice made by the Championships met with firm opposition from the ATP and the Wta, who condemned the severe provision through two long communiqués. In recent days, moreover, there has been talk of some sanctions that the Association of Tennis Professionals could impose to punish Wimbledon.
From a heavy fine to the loss of points: there are numerous hypotheses that the top tennis players would be evaluating in these hours. In an official press conference, All England Club president Ian Hewitt wanted to explain the main reasons that pushed the direction of the tournament in this direction.
"Now I would like to address the issue that is at the center of our attention, namely the desire to deny participation in Wimbledon to Russian and Belarusian athletes. After a long and careful consideration, we have come to two conclusions on which our decisions are based.
Even if we accepted the participation of Russians and Belarusians with written declarations, we would risk their successful participation being used as propaganda by the Russian regime. Which we could not accept. We also need to ensure that our every action does not put the players or their families at risk.
Following the directives of the Government, there is no valid alternative to the decision taken in this tragic and particular circumstance." Wimbledon may not be the only tournament to opt for the exclusion of Russian and Belarusian tennis players.