Wimbledon organizers are moving toward a formal code of conduct for Russian tennis players that would require signing before the tournament begins. Daily Mail reported on the developing framework and the expectations surrounding its specifics.
The exact provisions of the code have not been finalized, according to the publication, but the envisioned rules would likely ban any overt displays of support for Russia within the tournament grounds. This could include flying a national flag, making public comments in support of the country, or other visible demonstrations that could be interpreted as alignment with Russian interests. The publication suggests that violations could lead to sanctions, potentially including removal from the event.
This development follows a history of restrictions on players from Russia and Belarus at Wimbledon. Last year, organizers did not permit competitors from those nations to take part, a stance that mirrors ongoing limitations imposed by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) on lawn events hosted in England for players from Russia and Belarus.
In response to the evolving landscape, the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) imposed a financial penalty on the LTA, amounting to one million dollars, for restricting Russian and Belarusian participation at its tournaments. The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) had previously issued a comparable fine to the British federation in recognition of similar restrictions, underscoring the broader tensions between competition rules and geopolitical considerations in tennis governance.
Wimbledon is scheduled to run from July 3 to July 16 in the current cycle, a timetable that places the proposed conduct standards at the center of pre-tournament discussions and planning for players, sponsors, and national associations alike.
Commentary from the world of tennis has also touched on moments from recent events, including on-court and awards ceremonies. For instance, Ukrainian former player Marta Kostyuk sparked conversation by questioning why a Russian opponent was not greeted with a handshake at a recent awards ceremony in Austin, Texas, after the final of a separate event. Such moments are often cited in broader debates about sportsmanship, national identity, and the optics of multinational competition, especially in a sport that has long prided itself on international participation and neutral competition across borders.