In a historic move, the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC) has allowed Russian tennis players to compete at the 2019 Wimbledon Championships as neutrals. This decision comes after the International Tennis Federation (ITF) suspended the Russian Tennis Federation (RTF) in December 2018 due to doping violations.
The ITF’s decision meant that Russian players were not allowed to compete in any ITF-sanctioned tournaments, including Wimbledon. However, the AELTC has now decided to allow Russian players to compete as neutrals, meaning they will not be representing their country.
This decision has been welcomed by many in the tennis world, as it allows Russian players to compete at the highest level of tennis. It also means that Russian players will not be punished for the actions of their federation.
The decision is also seen as a positive step towards improving relations between Russia and the international tennis community. The ITF has said that it will continue to work with the RTF to ensure that the necessary reforms are implemented, and that the suspension can be lifted in the future.
It remains to be seen how successful Russian players will be at Wimbledon this year. However, it is clear that this is an important step in allowing Russian players to compete at the highest level of tennis without being punished for the actions of their federation.
The AELTC’s decision is a positive one, and it is hoped that it will lead to improved relations between Russia and the international tennis community. It is also hoped that this decision will lead to a more level playing field for all players, regardless of nationality.
