After Wimbledon announced the ban on all Russian and Belarusian athletes in April, the ATP and WTA responded by removing all rating points players would otherwise have earned for their performances at the All England Club.
Some of tennis’ biggest stars, including men’s world number one Daniil Medvedev and women’s world number six Aryna Sabalenka, will not compete in SW19.
“Player nationality, defined as the flag under which they play in professional events, is an agreed upon process governed by Tor and the ITF,” the spokesperson said.
The ban on Russian and Belarusian players has divided the tennis world, and last week the US Open announced that it would not follow Wimbledon’s lead later this year, with players from both countries entitled to compete under a neutral flag.
“Coffee ninja. Web fan. Hipster-friendly beer enthusiast. Professional creator.”