On Tuesday, the International Tennis Federation announced its decision regarding the participation of the teams of Russia and Belarus in the team competitions under the auspices of the ITF. A special statement was also issued by the authorities of the ATP and WTA.
Rafai Smolensky
Getty Images / Oscar J. Barroso / Europa Press / Pictured: The Russians won the Davis Cup in 2021
“The International Tennis Federation (ITF) condemns Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and its facilitation by Belarus. In addition to canceling all ITF events in these countries, the ITF Council today announced the immediate suspension of the Russian Tennis Federation (RTF) and Belarus. The ITF statement said the Tennis Federation ( BTF) from ITF membership and from participating in international ITF team competitions until further notice.
There will be no repeat for 2021
The ITF decision meant, among other things, that Russia and Belarus were excluded from the Davis Cup (men) and Billie Jean King (women’s) Cup competitions. We would like to remind you that last year Russia won in both tournaments and this season they will appear in the last two.
In contrast, the Belarus national team was scheduled to face Mexico this week as part of the Davis Cup World Group A qualifiers. In view of the suspension, North American tennis players will receive a guided tour. On the other hand, Belarusian women were scheduled to meet with Belgians in mid-April. This match will not take place, so the Belgians will have to qualify for the final tournament without playing.
What about ATP and WTA?
The women’s and men’s tennis authorities also announced their sanctions after the Russian aggression against Ukraine. It has been confirmed that Russia and Belarus will not participate in ITF matches. In addition, it was decided to suspend this year’s ATP and WTA indoor tournament in Moscow (Kremlin Cup), which was scheduled for October.
Until further notice, tennis players from Russia and Belarus will be able to play in the ATP and WTA tournaments, as well as in Grand Slam competitions as neutral players, that is, without presenting the national flag and colors.
The above message is to fulfill orders, incl. Elena Suitolina, who announced on Monday that she will not go to court to duel with Anastasia Potaboa. The Ukrainian appealed to the Russians and Belarusians to be able to play in the Tour as neutral athletes. With that decision announced, Svitolina and Potapoa will meet on Tuesday in the first round of the WTA 250 event in Monterrey, Mexico.
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