Wimbledon remains concerned Russian and Belarusian leaders might look to use success of their nations’ players in this year’s championship as propaganda.
They were banned in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the support provided by Belarus.
Any Russians or Belarusians playing at Wimbledon must sign declarations indicating their neutrality.
Wimbledon chief executive Sally Bolton said that was intended to reduce “as much as possible” the chance of their nations capitalising on any success.
Ukraine foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba has described the U-turn by Wimbledon as “immoral” and called on the UK government to deny visas for Russian and Belarusian players.
“Has Russia ceased its aggression or atrocities? No, it’s just that Wimbledon decided to accommodate two accomplices in crime,” he wrote on Twitter.
Asked by BBC tennis correspondent Russell Fuller if the decision opens the door for Russia and Belarus’ leaders to derive benefit from any success, Bolton replied: “That remains somewhat of a concern.”
But Bolton believes the conditions set out by Wimbledon, worked through and agreed with the government, will limit that prospect.
“Russian and Belarusian athletes that compete this year will be signing a neutrality declaration that requires them not to express support for the invasion or the regimes, not to be financially supported by the regimes or companies closely linked, and compete as neutrals without the flag or country name associated.”
Russian former world number one Daniil Medvedev said he was pleased with the decision, while 2021 Wimbledon quarter-finalist Karen Khachanov indicated he had no problem signing the neutrality declaration.
“Basically we just keep doing the same like in all other tournaments. It’s nothing different,” said Khachanov after losing to Medvedev in the Miami Open semi-finals.
“I don’t have sponsorships now in Russia.”
Bolton said the AELTC had “engaged” with Ukrainian players about the decision and had more talks planned with them.
“We appreciate it is an incredibly challenging time for them as they compete on the tour but they have been competing on the tour alongside Russian and Belarusian athletes for a year.
“Our position on Russia’s invasion hasn’t changed, we absolutely condemn that and our wholehearted support remains with the people of Ukraine.”
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