Wimbledon organizers announced on Wednesday that Russian and Belarusian players will not be allowed to participate in this year’s edition after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“I will always condemn war, I will never support war because I am a child of war myself,” the world No. 1 told reporters at the Serbia Open.
“I know how much emotional trauma it leaves. In Serbia we all know what happened in 1999. In the Balkans we have had many wars in recent history,” he told reporters.
“However, I cannot support the Wimbledon decision, I think it is crazy. If politics interfere with the sport, the result is not good.”
Wimbledon on Wednesday announced and defended their decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players from this year’s tournament.
“Given the profile of the Championships in the UK and around the world, it is our responsibility to play our part in the widespread efforts of government, industry, sporting and creative institutions to leverage Russia’s global influence with the strongest possible resources,” the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) said in a statement.
“In the circumstances of such unjustified and unprecedented military aggression, it would be unacceptable for the Russian regime to take any advantage of the involvement of Russian or Belarusian players in The Championships.
“It is therefore our intention, with great regret, to refuse registrations of Russian and Belarusian players for The Championships 2022,” it added.
The Kremlin said earlier on Wednesday that a ban on Russian players’ participation in Wimbledon due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is “unacceptable”.
The ban on Russian players will prevent several high-ranking players from taking part in the iconic grand slam on grass.
Russia has five women in the top 40 of the WTA Tour rankings.
Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka currently ranks fourth in the world and was a Wimbledon semifinalist last year, while compatriot Victoria Azarenka, a former world No. 1, is currently ranked 18th.
The decision of the AELTC marks the first time that Russian and Belarusian players will not be allowed to participate in an elite tennis event.