Daniil Medvedev, who briefly replaced Novak Djokvic as World No 1 in February, might have to miss the Wimbledon this year amid the Russia-Ukraine crisis, the Times reported, citing sources. The All English competition, the oldest Grand Slam, will start from June 27 and the men’s singles final will be played on July 10. 

Along with Medvedev, Victoria Azarenka, a big name in women’s tennis, could also miss the Wimbledon. The two are from Russia and Belarus respectively. 

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Belarus is seen as an ally of Moscow in their attck on Kyiv that began on February 24. Russian and Belarusian players have been able to compete in ATP and WTA events under neutral flags. However, Wimbledon organisers said that they prefer to ban the players rather than adhere to a compromise solution offered by the British government, the Times’ report read. 

The Australian Open was held in January. Wimbledon, the French Open and the US Open are the other Grand Slams that will be held this year. The ban could extend to these tournaments. The International Tennis Federation (ITF) banned both countries’ teams from the Davis Cup and the Billie Jean King Cup.

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If Russian and Belarusian players are banned, the likes of Medvedev and 2021 Wimbledon semi-finalist Aryna Sabalenka might miss the tournaments. The British government ordered the two to sign statements that they would not make supportive comments of Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, as per the Times report, Wimbledon organisers believe signing such statements could impact negatively on the families of the players.

“We think from a public perspective and indeed a practical implementation perspective that there needs to be alignment [between the All England Club and LTA], so it is really clear and understood. That is critically important,” LTA chief executive Scott Lloyd said. 

World No 8 had given a  ‘no war please’ on a TV camera when competing in Dubai. Medvedev is recovering from a hernia operation. 

 “I want peace in all of the world,” he had said. 

“It is heartbreaking to see how many innocent people have been affected and continue to be affected by such violence. I have always seen and experienced Ukrainian and Belarusian people friendly and supportive of each other. It’s hard to witness the violent separation currently taking place,” Belarusian tennis star Victoria Azarenka had said in March.