Rocio Robles
Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic joined the list of tennis players who in recent days have raised their voices to criticize the Wimbledon organizers’ decision to veto players born in Russia and Belarus.
“I think it’s very unfair for my Russian teammates, my colleagues… it’s not their fault what’s happening right now with the war,” Nadal said in remarks ahead of his Madrid Masters 1000 debut. He added: “I feel sorry for them. Wimbledon simply made their decision…the government didn’t make them do it.”
Novak Djokovic, for one, compared the situation of his peers to his deportation from Australia in January due to a lack of COVID-19 vaccination. “It’s not the same, but I went through something similar earlier this year: it’s frustrating to know you’re not allowed to play,” said the world’s current Number One player.
“I still stand by my position that I don’t support (Wimbledon’s) decision. I think it’s not fair, it’s not right, but it is what it is.” concluded the winner of 20 Grand Slam titles.
The 2022 edition of Wimbledon will be held between June 27 and July 10 at the legendary All England Lawn Tennis complex in London.
Record of Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon
After 14 appearances at the British Grand Slam, the Palma de Mallorca-born player has a record of 53 wins and 12 losses.
“Rafa” has won this prestigious tournament twice, including the 2008 edition, when he beat Roger Federer in one of the best finals in history.
Novak Djokovic’s record at Wimbledon
“Nole” has been part of the third Grand Slam of the season on 16 times, winning 6 of his 20 titles in this type of tournaments.
After being a controversial player in the first half of the 2022 season due to his unwillingness to be vaccinated against COVID-19, Djokovic will compete in Wimbledon, where he has a record of 79 victories and only 10 losses.
