The military conflict between Russia and Ukraine on February 24 shocked the world, and tennis players and tennis organizations reacted quickly.
On Feb. 25, world-numbered Russian player Rublev wrote on camera footage after his victory over Macdonald in the quarter-finals in Dubai: "No war".
On February 27, the third day of the outbreak of military conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) announced the cancellation of all International Tennis Federation tournaments originally scheduled for Russia and Belarus and suspended Russia and Belarus from participating in tennis team competitions, meaning that the Russian team will not be able to defend the Davis Cup and the Billy Jane Gold Cup.
On February 28, Russian player Pavlyukchenkova, the runner-up in women's singles at last year's French Open, called on social media for an end to violence and war.
On Monday, February 28, atp released a new edition of the points chart, and Russian player Medvedev reached the top of the world number one in singles for the first time, speaking on social media on behalf of every child in the world: "They all have dreams, their lives have just begun, there will be a lot of wonderful experiences... That is why I pray for world peace, peace among nations. He also said that becoming the world number one at this time, "there are many mixed emotions in my heart." ”
On March 1, it was a joint statement by seven of the world's tennis organizations, including the ITF, ATP, WTA and the Four Grand Slams, that players from Russia and Belarus were allowed to participate in ATP and WTA Tour tournaments and Grand Slam tournaments, but not under the name or flag of their respective countries, "until further notice." On official websites and live television footage, flags next to the names of Russian and Belarusian players were removed.
On March 5, the famous tennis coach Muratogru said on his personal social media that he was "proud of russian tennis players speaking out for peace, may the world be at peace, and let us remain united." ”
Muratoglu also said, "I don't think Medvedev will be affected by the war between Russia and Ukraine in tennis." The famous coach also believes it would be "very unfair" if the tennis governing body decided to ban Russian players from playing on the Tour.
Currently, there are 4 Russian players (Medvedev, Rublev, Karatsev and Kachanov) among the top 30 players in the ATP singles rankings, while 5 of the top 30 players in the WTA singles ranking are from Russia or Belarus (Sabalenka, Pavlyuchenkova, Azarenka, Kudmetova and Kasakina).
"So those Russian athletes took a position against the war, in a way against the decision of the Russian government," Muratoglu said. "They're putting themselves in danger by doing so." Therefore, we must also pay tribute to and respect their courage to speak publicly — and I think they are right to do so. But you must have the courage to do so, and you must accept consequences that may be unpopular in your own country. ”
The famous tennis coach from France went on to analyze the impact of the war on individual players, expressing concerns that Russian players could be banned.
"I don't think Medvedev will be affected by the war between Russia and Ukraine on the tennis side," Moratogru stressed again. 'I think personally or emotionally he may be affected a bit, but it won't affect his level of play.'
According to the statements of the seven major tennis organizations, players from Russia and Belarus can compete as "neutral players". However, the seven major tennis organizations may further escalate sanctions in the future, or will ban players from Russia and Belarus from participating in any tennis tournament.
Muratoglu's fears are justified. So far, more than 20 international sports organizations have announced sanctions against Russia and Belarus, and the general sanctions are: the suspension of competitions held in Russia and Belarus, the deprivation of senior officials of the two countries of their medals of honor or their positions, the suspension of voting qualifications of people from both countries with voting rights, and the prohibition of the two countries from participating in team competitions in the name of the state.
However, sports organizations such as the IAAF, the FIA, the World Rowing Federation, the World Badminton Federation, the International Ski Federation, and the International Skating Union have extended the ban to all Russian and Belarusian athletes, prohibiting athletes from both countries from participating in international competitions.
Muratogru believes it would be very unfair to ban tennis players from Russia and Belarus from participating in international competitions. "The real risk next is that the International Tennis Federation (ITF), ATP, WTA — they may decide to suspend tennis for Russian players in the future, and I think (if it does) it will be very, very unfair, especially for players who have made it 100 percent against the war."
Tennis is a highly commercial and professional sport, and with the exception of a few team events such as the Davis Cup, the Billy Jane Gold Cup, and the ATP Cup, the vast majority of tennis tournaments are individually registered by players, including the Four Grand Slams and the Men's and Women's Tour, which are essentially individual sports.
"So why are they condemned for their country — I mean, it's not even their country, it's what the president of their country decided to do, and it has nothing to do with them." Muratoglu added.
On Thursday, Medvedev from Russia will compete in Indian Wells for the first time as world number one, the first Masters of the year. Since the beginning of this year, Medvedev has participated in three tournaments, representing Russia in the ATP Cup semi-finals, losing to Nadal in the Australian Open final and Again to Nadal in the Acapulco semi-finals, and his overall record this year is 12 wins and 3 losses. (Source: Tennis House Author: Yun Cirrus Yunshu)