Djokovic and Nadal join claim against exclusion of Russians and Belarusians at Wimbledon

The eyes of the tennis world are on this week Magic Boxwhere this Sunday is the main draw of Madrid Masters 1000. But in the Spanish tournament, many heads are wondering what will happen in almost two months on the lawn of All of Englandafter Wimbledon announced ten days ago the exclusion of Russian and Belarusian players, within the framework of sanctions in those two countries for the invasion of Ukraine.

The news, which provoked mixed opinions, continued to make noise in the racket world and with the start of their debuts at the Madrid event, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal took a position on the matter and agreed to describe the proposal made by the Great unfair. English Slam, which will also apply to events to the Queen, Nottingham, birmingham Y Eastbournebefore that appointment.

Djokovic confirmed what he said the day after the announcement, when he made sure that, although he would always condemn the war, the veto was “crazy”.

“It’s not an easy situation, I’m talking to some of the Russian players, who will be removed from one of the biggest tournaments, and there is a disappointment. The ATP is evaluating the situation and what it can do,” the world said. number one. “I went through something similar at the beginning of the year, it’s frustrating that they don’t let you play. It’s not fair, they’re within their rights.”

Nole recalled his own experience in Australia, when his visa was revoked, he was deported and he was given the opportunity to defend the title. Although in his case, it was due to a completely different situation: his refusal to be vaccinated against Covid-19, a request made by the government of that country for foreign visitors.

The Serbian was even encouraged to guess how to soften the blow for the affected tennis players, if the British Grand Slam – organized by the British federation and completely independent of the ATP – would not be withdrawn.

“Now, I think, our organization needs to think about its decision, whether to keep the points that Wimbledon gives, take 50%, remove them or whatever. A more realistic option is to protect scores of Russian and Belarusian players. who they did not play “, analyzed.

Nadal, member of Player Council of the ATP, also showed solidarity with his Russian and Belarusian colleagues.

“It seems very unfair to the players, to my teammates. There is very little they can do. I don’t know what they are to blame for what is happening now in the war. I feel very sorry for them and I wish it wasn’t like that”, ensured by the Spaniards.

And he added: “There are things that are clear. Once the government has put in place some measures, you have to follow them. In this case, the government gives a recommendation and Wimbledon makes its decision, the most violent. which is possible, without having to take it in. This is something that is very unfair for them, but unfortunately right now it is still very complicated for the players.There is a lot of misfortune in all that happens that ultimately happens to our sport is almost of no importance when so many people are dying and suffering. “

Beyond the opinions of those two tennis heavyweights, added to many more players, Wimbledon seems firmly in its position to exclude tennis players of those nationalities, who are already competing as neutrals, by joint decision of the ATP, WTA and ITF. And the situation is not fixed.

Furthermore, according to The Team, some Russian and Belarusian rackets are considering taking legal action against the English Grand Slam. The French newspaper reported a few days ago that this group – whose names were not disclosed – had hired a Paris lawyer who specializes in human rights and the fight against discrimination to try a reconciliation. But if they can’t find the expected answer, they don’t rule out taking the case to court.

“Players want to tailor Wimbledon to the Roland Garros decision and a lot of tournaments, that is, to allow them to play, but without a flag and without any anthem,” that medium specified.

It is worth remembering that among those affected by the decision made in the All England offices were the Russian Daniil Medvedev, number two in the world, and Andrew Rubleveighth in the ranking, and the Belarusians Aryna Sabalenkafourth in the WTA and semifinalist in the last edition of Wimbledon, and Victoria Azarenka, former number one in the world.

Djokovic and Nadal, two unknowns ahead of Madrid

Beyond the controversy over the Wimbledon decision -which appears at every press conference in Caja Mágica-, one of the last important events in preparation for Roland Garros will be held in Madrid. And although Djokovic and Nadal are starting out as big favorites, due to their ranking positions, both come wrapped up in doubts, due to their pasts.

The Serbian, the top favorite, is going through a difficult time. His anti-vaccine position has allowed him to play only three tournaments this year: he lost in the quarterfinals last year. dubaion his debut in Monte Carlo and, just over seven days ago, at the end of Belgrade, where he was found exhausted and on the verge of retirement. He himself said that this lack of energy was due, not to a lack of filming, but to a disease – “not coronavirus” – that he suffered a week before the tournament in Monaco and affected his metabolism and the his physique.

“I think there are still marks on my body that come out when I’m in a physical challenge. I didn’t like when I went to Belgrade, physically, I ran out of energy. Even though I liked how I hit the ball, obviously, it’s not the level I want to reach. But it’s a process and I have to be patient. Hopefully, the situation continues to evolve this week also “, commented the debutant in the second round against the winner of the clash between the Spaniards Carlos Gimeno and the french Gael Monfils.

“Here, last week I had very good training sessions, with more emphasis on the gym to build the resistance needed against the best players. I think I’m going in the right direction,” the Serb added. , who aspires to his fourth title in the capital.Spanish.

Nadal also came in with some doubts, after being away from the tour throughout April to recover from the stress crack in his rib that suffered in the semifinals of Indian Wells (where he still played in the final and lost to Taylor Fritz) and left him Monte Carlo Y Barcelona.

“I’m recovered, I feel good. At the level of tennis and preparation it’s another story. The first weeks were very disabled, it’s not a major injury, but it doesn’t let you do anything. I started training two weeks ago with the illusion that I am here I have improved since the day I arrived, but it will be a difficult week. You have to slow things down, accept that things are far from perfect and fight from there “, commented of Mallorcan, who as the third favorite is waiting in the second round for the serb Myomir Kecmanovic or the Kazakh Alexander Bublik.

Rafechampion this year at the Australian Open and at the ATP melbourne Y AcapulcoKnows, that he needs step by step and that the ultimate goal is not to win the sixth title in Madrid, but to get to Paris in the best way, where he will find the 14th trophy in the “excellent” French .

“On a mental level, they had a difficult week, but there is nothing left but to look forward and look at the next goals with enthusiasm and determination. Now things are going well and if this tournament is coming up with success, it will be amazing. But you have to be patient and humble every day. I came here with just enough, but I have three weeks left for Paris “.

Schwartzman, onto the field

Diego Schwartzman is the only Argentine left on the road in Madrid, which launched its main draw on Sunday, in the defeat of Federico Delbonis. Ang small15th in the world, will compete this Monday in the third shift -at approximately 10:30 in our country- to face the French Benoit Pairefrom the classification.

Delbonis, 37th in the ranking, debuted with a loss in the Spanish competition. Azuleño fell 6-3 and 6-4 against the British Daniel Evans35th, who prevailed in an hour and 36 minutes and advanced to the second round.

In qualy, two national rackets remain: Federico Coria (58th), who lost in the final round with Paire 6-7 (5-7), 6-4 and 6-2; and Francisco Cerúndolo (49th), who fell for the first time against the Spaniards Alejandro Moro Canas (444 and 21 years old) by 6-0 and 6-4.