The International Tennis Federation (ITF) official site notes a decision to permit Russian and Belarusian tennis players to compete under neutral status at the Olympic Games in Paris. Athletes will have the chance to participate in both singles and doubles events under this framework.
Russian and Belarusian competitors may enter the 2024 Olympic events provided they adhere to the neutral athlete principles previously outlined by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Paris hosted the Olympic Games with the stated schedule beginning in late July 2024, continuing into early August as per the Games timetable.
In February 2022, the IOC urged international sports federations to consider restricting participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in competitions amid regional tensions and security concerns.
During the IOC Executive Committee meeting on March 28, it was proposed that Russians could retain neutral status as long as their athletes do not actively support or participate in military operations. This stance aimed to separate athletic competition from geopolitical conflicts while maintaining a pathway for athletes to compete under neutral flag.
Russian tennis players did not participate in Wimbledon 2022 but returned to compete in the 2023 tournament, reflecting evolving policies and responses to the geopolitical situation and IOC guidance.
Historically, discussions about gender equality in tennis have included debates on parity between the women’s and men’s tours. These discussions address issues of prize money, scheduling, media coverage, and overall recognition, rather than suggesting an inherent difference in ability or value between the sexes.