U.S. Open champion Emma Raducanu is hopeful she will be fit to play at Wimbledon after being forced to withdraw from next week`s WTA 250 event in Birmingham due to a side strain. A "freak injury" forced Raducanu, 19, to retire from her opening match at the Nottingham Open on Tuesday but the Briton said on Wednesday she was looking forward to the rest of the grasscourt swing.

"It was disappointing to go out this week with a side injury and unfortunately will no longer be able to play in Birmingham," Raducanu said in a statement released by Britain`s Lawn Tennis Association (LTA). "I`m looking forward to be back on the match court soon though to enjoy the rest of the grass season." 
Raducanu shot to stardom in September, 2021 when she won the U.S. Open title as a qualifier, becoming Britain`s first female Grand Slam champion since Virginia Wade in 1977.

She has, however, suffered a string of fitness issues since winning her maiden Grand Slam title and was knocked out in the second round of the French Open last month. Wimbledon will be held from June 27 to July 10. Raducanu reached the last 16 at the grasscourt major in 2021.

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FEMALE EXPERTISE

Judy Murray, a tennis coach and mother of three-times Grand Slam winner Andy, has said Raducanu needs time to mature physically and should hire experts to help her. "What`s becoming increasingly clear is that Raducanu`s body needs time to mature," Murray wrote in a column for The Telegraph. 
"If you strip away the fact she was catapulted into this amazing success following her U.S. Open triumph last September, she is no different to any other young player in the sense that her body needs time to fill out, become more robust and resilient.

"It`s a process that simply doesn`t happen overnight, especially when the physical demands on her body are at an all-time high," Murray said, adding that her son Andy suffered from cramping while moving up from the junior circuit to the ATP. Murray also urged Raducanu to make more use of female expertise in taking care of her health, highlighting the example of Chinese teenager Zheng Qinwen who opened up about how menstrual cramps derailed her run at the French Open.

"How many of today`s top female players, I wonder, are harnessing the peaks and troughs of their cycle and tailoring it to their training and performance?" Murray said. "How many could feel more empowered by investing in a women`s health physio or specialist and making their entourage that bit more female-centric?" 
"... the menstrual cycle and its impact on athletic performance is an area of sports science that has been woefully neglected and only now are we beginning to understand its impact on an athlete, both psychologically and physically."

U.S. Open champion Emma Raducanu is hopeful she will be fit to play at Wimbledon after being forced to withdraw from next week`s WTA 250 event in Birmingham due to a side strain.

U.S. Open champion Emma Raducanu is hopeful she will be fit to play at Wimbledon after being forced to withdraw from next week`s WTA 250 event in Birmingham due to a side strain. A "freak injury" forced Raducanu, 19, to retire from her opening match at the Nottingham Open on Tuesday but the Briton said on Wednesday she was looking forward to the rest of the grasscourt swing. "It was disappointing to go out this week with a side injury and unfortunately will no longer be able to play in Birmingham," Raducanu said in a statement released by Britain`s Lawn Tennis Association (LTA). "I`m looking forward to be back on the match court soon though to enjoy the rest of the grass season." Raducanu shot to stardom in September, 2021 when she won the U.S. Open title as a qualifier, becoming Britain`s first female Grand Slam champion since Virginia Wade in 1977. She has, however, suffered a string of fitness issues since winning her maiden Grand Slam title and was knocked out in the second round of the French Open last month. Wimbledon will be held from June 27 to July 10. Raducanu reached the last 16 at the grasscourt major in 2021. ALSO READ | Exclusive! GOAT debate over for now: Mahesh Bhupathi hails Rafael Nadal after 14th French Open title FEMALE EXPERTISE Judy Murray, a tennis coach and mother of three-times Grand Slam winner Andy, has said Raducanu needs time to mature physically and should hire experts to help her. "What`s becoming increasingly clear is that Raducanu`s body needs time to mature," Murray wrote in a column for The Telegraph. "If you strip away the fact she was catapulted into this amazing success following her U.S. Open triumph last September, she is no different to any other young player in the sense that her body needs time to fill out, become more robust and resilient. "It`s a process that simply doesn`t happen overnight, especially when the physical demands on her body are at an all-time high," Murray said, adding that her son Andy suffered from cramping while moving up from the junior circuit to the ATP. Murray also urged Raducanu to make more use of female expertise in taking care of her health, highlighting the example of Chinese teenager Zheng Qinwen who opened up about how menstrual cramps derailed her run at the French Open. "How many of today`s top female players, I wonder, are harnessing the peaks and troughs of their cycle and tailoring it to their training and performance?" Murray said. "How many could feel more empowered by investing in a women`s health physio or specialist and making their entourage that bit more female-centric?" "... the menstrual cycle and its impact on athletic performance is an area of sports science that has been woefully neglected and only now are we beginning to understand its impact on an athlete, both psychologically and physically."

Young star Emma Raducanu expected to be fit for Wimbledon 2022

Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic will head into next week`s tournament as the men`s top seed with Russian world number one Daniil Medvedev banned from taking part while Germany`s second-ranked Alexander Zverev is out injured. Organisers of the grasscourt Grand Slam have banned players from Russia and Belarus from playing at this year`s Wimbledon following Moscow`s invasion of Ukraine, which Russia calls a `special operation`.

Zverev had surgery on torn ligaments in his right ankle this month after he was forced to retire from his French Open semi-final against Rafael Nadal. Djokovic, who was unable to defend his 2021 Australian Open title and the 2,000 ranking points he earned due to his non-vaccinated status against COVID-19, recently lost his world number one spot to Medvedev.

The Serbian, who has won the last three editions of the grasscourt major, will slip further down the rankings after Wimbledon as he will lose another 2,000 points with the ATP and WTA stripping the tournament of points. The absence of Medvedev and Zverev means Nadal, who is halfway through a possible calendar year Slam after winning the Australian and French Open titles, to be seeded second.

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It also results in Djokovic and Nadal finding themselves in different halves of the draw and they cannot face each other until the men`s final on July 10. The duo met in this year`s Roland Garros quarter-final where the Spaniard triumphed.

Britain has two players in the top 10 seeds at their home major with Cameron Norrie ninth while U.S. Open champion Emma Raducanu is 10th in the absence of Belarussian Aryna Sabalenka. 
Poland`s world number one Iga Swiatek will be the women`s top seed with Estonian Annett Kontaveit the number two.

Wimbledon organisers had previously used a computer-based system favouring results on grasscourts in the previous two years to determine the seedings but from the 2021 edition seedings mirror the world rankings&nbsp;

Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic will head into next week`s tournament as the men`s top seed with Russian world number one Daniil Medvedev banned from taking part while Germany`s second-ranked Alexander Zverev is out injured.

Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic will head into next week`s tournament as the men`s top seed with Russian world number one Daniil Medvedev banned from taking part while Germany`s second-ranked Alexander Zverev is out injured. Organisers of the grasscourt Grand Slam have banned players from Russia and Belarus from playing at this year`s Wimbledon following Moscow`s invasion of Ukraine, which Russia calls a `special operation`. Zverev had surgery on torn ligaments in his right ankle this month after he was forced to retire from his French Open semi-final against Rafael Nadal. Djokovic, who was unable to defend his 2021 Australian Open title and the 2,000 ranking points he earned due to his non-vaccinated status against COVID-19, recently lost his world number one spot to Medvedev. The Serbian, who has won the last three editions of the grasscourt major, will slip further down the rankings after Wimbledon as he will lose another 2,000 points with the ATP and WTA stripping the tournament of points. The absence of Medvedev and Zverev means Nadal, who is halfway through a possible calendar year Slam after winning the Australian and French Open titles, to be seeded second. ALSO READ | THROWBACK: Reliving Novak Djokovic-Roger Federer's epic battle in 2019 Wimbledon final - WATCH It also results in Djokovic and Nadal finding themselves in different halves of the draw and they cannot face each other until the men`s final on July 10. The duo met in this year`s Roland Garros quarter-final where the Spaniard triumphed. Britain has two players in the top 10 seeds at their home major with Cameron Norrie ninth while U.S. Open champion Emma Raducanu is 10th in the absence of Belarussian Aryna Sabalenka. Poland`s world number one Iga Swiatek will be the women`s top seed with Estonian Annett Kontaveit the number two. Wimbledon organisers had previously used a computer-based system favouring results on grasscourts in the previous two years to determine the seedings but from the 2021 edition seedings mirror the world rankings

Novak Djokovic top men's seed for Wimbledon 2022 in World No. 1 Daniil Medvedev, Alexander Zverev's absence

The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) is holding talks with the British government on the participation of players from Russia and Belarus at this year's Wimbledon, saying on Tuesday that it hopes to announce a decision in mid-May.

Russian and Belarusian players have been allowed to compete on the regular ATP and WTA Tours but not under the name or flag of their countries following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

Belarus was a key staging area for the invasion, which Russia says is a "special military operation."

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Russia was also banned from defending its Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup team titles.

"We have noted the UK Government's guidance regarding the attendance of Russian and Belarusian individuals in a neutral capacity at sporting events in the UK," the AELTC, organisers of the grasscourt Grand Slam, said in a statement.

"This remains a complex and challenging issue, and we are continuing to engage in discussion with the UK Government, the Lawn Tennis Association, and the international governing bodies of tennis.

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"We plan to announce a decision in relation to Wimbledon ahead of our entry deadline in mid-May."

British Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston had said last month that he would not be comfortable with a "Russian athlete flying the Russian flag" and winning Wimbledon in London.

He added that U.S. Open champion Daniil Medvedev may have to provide assurances that he does not support Russian president Vladimir Putin if he is to compete.

Wimbledon will be held from June 27-July 10.

The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) is holding talks with the British government on the participation of players from Russia and Belarus at this year's Wimbledon, saying on Tuesday that it hopes to announce a decision in mid-May.

The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) is holding talks with the British government on the participation of players from Russia and Belarus at this year's Wimbledon, saying on Tuesday that it hopes to announce a decision in mid-May. Russian and Belarusian players have been allowed to compete on the regular ATP and WTA Tours but not under the name or flag of their countries following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. Belarus was a key staging area for the invasion, which Russia says is a "special military operation." ALSO READ: Korea Open: Malvika Bansod emerges on top of China's Hue Yan in a thriller to enter second round Russia was also banned from defending its Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup team titles. "We have noted the UK Government's guidance regarding the attendance of Russian and Belarusian individuals in a neutral capacity at sporting events in the UK," the AELTC, organisers of the grasscourt Grand Slam, said in a statement. "This remains a complex and challenging issue, and we are continuing to engage in discussion with the UK Government, the Lawn Tennis Association, and the international governing bodies of tennis. ALSO READ: Korea Open: India's Lakshya Sen sweats it out versus Choi Ji Hoon to earn hard-fought win "We plan to announce a decision in relation to Wimbledon ahead of our entry deadline in mid-May." British Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston had said last month that he would not be comfortable with a "Russian athlete flying the Russian flag" and winning Wimbledon in London. He added that U.S. Open champion Daniil Medvedev may have to provide assurances that he does not support Russian president Vladimir Putin if he is to compete. Wimbledon will be held from June 27-July 10.

Wimbledon organisers holding talks with British government on participation of players from Russia, Belarus

Banning Russian and Belarusian players from this year`s Wimbledon championships was the only viable option under the guidance provided by the British government, the organisers of the grass court Grand Slam said on Tuesday.

The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) took the decision in the wake of Russia`s invasion of Ukraine and the stand was swiftly condemned by the men`s and women`s tours. AELTC Chairman Ian Hewitt said the government guidance did not allow players to compete at the tournament based on their rankings and there were two available options -- declining entries, or allowing entries but only with specific written declarations from individual players.

"We believe we have made the most responsible decision possible in the circumstances," Hewitt told reporters, adding that they are in regular discussions with the ATP and the WTA. "And that within the framework of the governance position, there`s no viable alternative to the decision we have taken in this truly exceptional and tragic situation."

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The move is the first time players have been banned on the grounds of nationality since the immediate post-World War Two era when German and Japanese players were excluded. Wimbledon is also the first tennis tournament to ban individual competitors from the two countries, meaning men`s world number two Daniil Medvedev from Russia and women`s fourth-ranked Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus will be banned from the June 27-July 10 tournament.

Tennis governing bodies have banned Russia and Belarus from international team competitions following the invasion, but allowed players from the two countries to continue competing as neutrals. AELTC also confirmed that COVID-19 vaccination will not be mandatory for players at the 2022 tournament, which will allow Serbian world number one Novak Djokovic to defend his title.

Djokovic, a 20-time major champion, was denied a chance to defend his Australian Open title in January due to his unvaccinated status.

Banning Russian and Belarusian players from this year`s Wimbledon championships was the only viable option under the guidance provided by the British government, the organisers of the grass court Grand Slam said on Tuesday.

Banning Russian and Belarusian players from this year`s Wimbledon championships was the only viable option under the guidance provided by the British government, the organisers of the grass court Grand Slam said on Tuesday. The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) took the decision in the wake of Russia`s invasion of Ukraine and the stand was swiftly condemned by the men`s and women`s tours. AELTC Chairman Ian Hewitt said the government guidance did not allow players to compete at the tournament based on their rankings and there were two available options -- declining entries, or allowing entries but only with specific written declarations from individual players. "We believe we have made the most responsible decision possible in the circumstances," Hewitt told reporters, adding that they are in regular discussions with the ATP and the WTA. "And that within the framework of the governance position, there`s no viable alternative to the decision we have taken in this truly exceptional and tragic situation." ALSO READ | US Open champion Emma Raducanu splits with coach Torben Beltz after five months The move is the first time players have been banned on the grounds of nationality since the immediate post-World War Two era when German and Japanese players were excluded. Wimbledon is also the first tennis tournament to ban individual competitors from the two countries, meaning men`s world number two Daniil Medvedev from Russia and women`s fourth-ranked Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus will be banned from the June 27-July 10 tournament. Tennis governing bodies have banned Russia and Belarus from international team competitions following the invasion, but allowed players from the two countries to continue competing as neutrals. AELTC also confirmed that COVID-19 vaccination will not be mandatory for players at the 2022 tournament, which will allow Serbian world number one Novak Djokovic to defend his title. Djokovic, a 20-time major champion, was denied a chance to defend his Australian Open title in January due to his unvaccinated status.

Wimbledon defends ban on Russian players, confirms Covid vaccination not mandatory for participation

Wimbledon will be stripped of ranking points over its decision to exclude players from Russia and Belarus from competing at the 2022 Championships due to Moscow`s invasion of Ukraine, the men`s ATP Tour said on Friday.

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The move by the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) is the first time players have been banned on grounds of nationality since the immediate post-World War Two era when German and Japanese players were excluded.

Wimbledon will be stripped of ranking points over its decision to exclude players from Russia and Belarus from competing at the 2022 Championships due to Moscow`s invasion of Ukraine, the men`s ATP Tour said on Friday.

Wimbledon will be stripped of ranking points over its decision to exclude players from Russia and Belarus from competing at the 2022 Championships due to Moscow`s invasion of Ukraine, the men`s ATP Tour said on Friday. ALSO READ | World No. 5 Rafael Nadal plays down chances of 14th French Open crown The move by the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) is the first time players have been banned on grounds of nationality since the immediate post-World War Two era when German and Japanese players were excluded.

Wimbledon loses ranking points following Russia, Belarus ban

Rafa Nadal said on Friday that he intends to compete at Wimbledon later this month when he will attempt to win a record-extending 23rd Grand Slam title. After winning both the Australian and French Opens this year, Nadal, who turned 36 earlier this month, told a news conference that the pain in his injured foot has eased and he will travel to London on Monday to start his preparation for the tournament.

"I`m happy, I haven`t been limping for a week," Nadal, who won Wimbledon in 2008 and 2010, told a news conference in Mallorca.&nbsp; "I have noticed changes with the treatment, still have strange sensations, sometimes I can’t feel my foot, but the pain that did not allow me to support my weight on my foot has subsided."

Nadal explained that he intends to travel to London on Monday and he will assess how he is feeling after a week of training and exhibition matches. "My intention is to play Wimbledon, but it will all depend on what happens with my body this next week,” Nadal said.

"I’m without pain for a week and have been practising, so it tells me there may be a chance to play in the tournament." Nadal said last month in Paris that he had played Roland Garros with pain-killing injections prior to each match, but does not want to repeat that at other tournaments.

The issue, which forced him to take five months off in 2021, returned in Rome prior to the French Open, after he came back in May from a six-week injury break. Nadal has not played Wimbledon since 2019 when he reached the semi-finals. The tournament was not held the following year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and he missed the 2021 edition due to injury.

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He last reached the Wimbledon final 11 years ago, when he finished runner-up to Novak Djokovic. "I haven`t played on grass for three years and I have to adapt, every day I have been recovering sensations and feeling better. I have a week left before playing and I have to test myself little by little," Nadal said. 
"Advancing in the first rounds is crucial. If you advance, you pick up the pace to reach the end. You have to survive no matter what."

Nadal also confirmed that his wife Mery Perello is pregnant with their first child. "If everything goes well, I`m going to be a father. I`m not used to talking about my private life. We live more peacefully with a lower profile. I don`t expect that my life will change much with it," he said. "At the moment all has worked well for me and I am not a friend of changing what works well. My intention is to play Wimbledon, rest, then Canada and then be ready for the US Open."

Rafa Nadal said on Friday that he intends to compete at Wimbledon later this month when he will attempt to win a record-extending 23rd Grand Slam title. After winning both the Australian and French Opens this year, Nadal, who turned 36 earlier this month, told a news conference that the pain in his injured foot has eased and he will travel to London on Monday to start his preparation for the tournament.

Rafa Nadal said on Friday that he intends to compete at Wimbledon later this month when he will attempt to win a record-extending 23rd Grand Slam title. After winning both the Australian and French Opens this year, Nadal, who turned 36 earlier this month, told a news conference that the pain in his injured foot has eased and he will travel to London on Monday to start his preparation for the tournament. "I`m happy, I haven`t been limping for a week," Nadal, who won Wimbledon in 2008 and 2010, told a news conference in Mallorca. "I have noticed changes with the treatment, still have strange sensations, sometimes I can’t feel my foot, but the pain that did not allow me to support my weight on my foot has subsided." Nadal explained that he intends to travel to London on Monday and he will assess how he is feeling after a week of training and exhibition matches. "My intention is to play Wimbledon, but it will all depend on what happens with my body this next week,” Nadal said. "I’m without pain for a week and have been practising, so it tells me there may be a chance to play in the tournament." Nadal said last month in Paris that he had played Roland Garros with pain-killing injections prior to each match, but does not want to repeat that at other tournaments. The issue, which forced him to take five months off in 2021, returned in Rome prior to the French Open, after he came back in May from a six-week injury break. Nadal has not played Wimbledon since 2019 when he reached the semi-finals. The tournament was not held the following year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and he missed the 2021 edition due to injury. ALSO READ | 'Wimbledon is not a tournament...': Rafael Nadal opines on future after winning 14th French Open title He last reached the Wimbledon final 11 years ago, when he finished runner-up to Novak Djokovic. "I haven`t played on grass for three years and I have to adapt, every day I have been recovering sensations and feeling better. I have a week left before playing and I have to test myself little by little," Nadal said. "Advancing in the first rounds is crucial. If you advance, you pick up the pace to reach the end. You have to survive no matter what." Nadal also confirmed that his wife Mery Perello is pregnant with their first child. "If everything goes well, I`m going to be a father. I`m not used to talking about my private life. We live more peacefully with a lower profile. I don`t expect that my life will change much with it," he said. "At the moment all has worked well for me and I am not a friend of changing what works well. My intention is to play Wimbledon, rest, then Canada and then be ready for the US Open."

Spaniard Rafael Nadal intends to play Wimbledon 2022 with foot injury improving

Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka`s participation in Wimbledon was in doubt on Monday after the Japanese player said the decision by the sport`s authorities to strip the tournament of ranking points had reduced her motivation to play.

Wimbledon last week had its ranking points taken away by the men`s ATP and women`s WTA after the grasscourt major opted to exclude players from Russia and Belarus because of Russia`s invasion of Ukraine. "I would say the decision is kind of affecting, like, my mentality going into grass, like I`m not 100% sure if I`m going to go there," Osaka told a news conference after her first-round defeat at the French Open on Monday.

"I would love to go just to get some experience on the grass court, but like at the same time, for me, it`s kind of like -- I don`t want to say pointless, no pun intended, but I`m the type of player that gets motivated by... seeing my ranking go up." The move by the ATP and WTA was met with "deep disappointment" by the All England Lawn Tennis Club who repeated their stance that the ban was the only viable option under British government guidance.

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The International Tennis Federation (ITF) also said it will not grant ranking points to Wimbledon this year for junior and wheelchair tennis events. The AELTC decision to impose the suspension on Russian and Belarusian players at this year`s championships is the first time players have been excluded on grounds of nationality since the immediate post-World War Two era when German and Japanese players were banned. 
World number one Iga Swiatek said she would take part in Wimbledon, but implored the tennis governing bodies to come together to find a solution to the "tricky situation".

"I feel like it`s a pretty tricky situation, and every solution is going to be somehow the wrong one for some part of people or players," the Polish player said after an easy first-round win at Roland Garros. "I just hope that the people that are responsible for making the decisions, they are all going to come together so our sport is going to be united, because for now, I feel like it`s not united. We feel that in the locker room, so it`s pretty hard."

Swiatek expressed some sympathy for Russian and Belarussian players. "I also know that all the Russian and Belarusian players are not responsible in what`s going on in their country," she said. "But on the other hand, the sport has been used in politics and we are kind of public personas and we have some impact on people. It would be nice if the people who are making decisions were making decisions that are going to stop Russia`s aggression. But it`s a tricky one."

Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka`s participation in Wimbledon was in doubt on Monday after the Japanese player said the decision by the sport`s authorities to strip the tournament of ranking points had reduced her motivation to play.

Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka`s participation in Wimbledon was in doubt on Monday after the Japanese player said the decision by the sport`s authorities to strip the tournament of ranking points had reduced her motivation to play. Wimbledon last week had its ranking points taken away by the men`s ATP and women`s WTA after the grasscourt major opted to exclude players from Russia and Belarus because of Russia`s invasion of Ukraine. "I would say the decision is kind of affecting, like, my mentality going into grass, like I`m not 100% sure if I`m going to go there," Osaka told a news conference after her first-round defeat at the French Open on Monday. "I would love to go just to get some experience on the grass court, but like at the same time, for me, it`s kind of like -- I don`t want to say pointless, no pun intended, but I`m the type of player that gets motivated by... seeing my ranking go up." The move by the ATP and WTA was met with "deep disappointment" by the All England Lawn Tennis Club who repeated their stance that the ban was the only viable option under British government guidance. ALSO READ | Rafael Nadal destroys Jordan Thompson to reach French Open second round The International Tennis Federation (ITF) also said it will not grant ranking points to Wimbledon this year for junior and wheelchair tennis events. The AELTC decision to impose the suspension on Russian and Belarusian players at this year`s championships is the first time players have been excluded on grounds of nationality since the immediate post-World War Two era when German and Japanese players were banned. World number one Iga Swiatek said she would take part in Wimbledon, but implored the tennis governing bodies to come together to find a solution to the "tricky situation". "I feel like it`s a pretty tricky situation, and every solution is going to be somehow the wrong one for some part of people or players," the Polish player said after an easy first-round win at Roland Garros. "I just hope that the people that are responsible for making the decisions, they are all going to come together so our sport is going to be united, because for now, I feel like it`s not united. We feel that in the locker room, so it`s pretty hard." Swiatek expressed some sympathy for Russian and Belarussian players. "I also know that all the Russian and Belarusian players are not responsible in what`s going on in their country," she said. "But on the other hand, the sport has been used in politics and we are kind of public personas and we have some impact on people. It would be nice if the people who are making decisions were making decisions that are going to stop Russia`s aggression. But it`s a tricky one."

Japan star Naomi Osaka unsure she will play Wimbledon 2022 after ranking points sanction

World number two Daniil Medvedev has not given up hope of competing at Wimbledon next month even though tournament organisers have banned Russians and Belarusians from playing at the grasscourt Grand Slam due to Moscow`s invasion of Ukraine. The decision was swiftly condemned by the men`s and women`s tours and a number of players, with Rafa Nadal calling the ruling "unfair".

Over the past week, there have also been suggestions that Wimbledon could be stripped of its ranking points by the two tours if the ban remains in force - effectively reducing the world`s most famous tennis tournament to an exhibition event.

"I tried to follow what`s happening because I don`t have any decisions to make. It`s right now about Wimbledon itself, the ATP, maybe the British government is involved," the Russian, who will be returning to action in Geneva after spending the last six weeks recovering from a hernia operation, told reporters on Sunday.

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"It`s a tricky situation and like every situation in life, you ask 100 players, everybody`s going to give a different opinion. "(When) you show a tennis ball to 100 people, I`m sure some of them are going to say it`s green and not yellow. I think it`s yellow. (But) if somebody tells me it`s green, I`m not going to get in conflict with this person."

Medvedev, who lost in the Australian Open final to Rafa Nadal in January, missed the beginning of the European claycourt season as he had to skip events in Monte Carlo, Madrid and Rome while he recovered his fitness. The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) barred players from the two countries from competing at this year`s Wimbledon in response to what Russia calls a "special military operation" in Ukraine. Belarus has been a key staging area for the invasion.

The AELTC said it made the decision following discussions with the British government. U.S. Open champion Medvedev said he remained hopeful that the AELTC might make a late u-turn on its decision. 
"I don`t know if this decision is 100% and it`s over (for me)," he said. "If I can play, I`m going to be happy to play in Wimbledon. I love this tournament. If I cannot play -- well, I`m going to try to play other tournaments and prepare well for next year if I have the chance to play."

World number two Daniil Medvedev has not given up hope of competing at Wimbledon next month even though tournament organisers have banned Russians and Belarusians from playing at the grasscourt Grand Slam due to Moscow`s invasion of Ukraine.

World number two Daniil Medvedev has not given up hope of competing at Wimbledon next month even though tournament organisers have banned Russians and Belarusians from playing at the grasscourt Grand Slam due to Moscow`s invasion of Ukraine. The decision was swiftly condemned by the men`s and women`s tours and a number of players, with Rafa Nadal calling the ruling "unfair". Over the past week, there have also been suggestions that Wimbledon could be stripped of its ranking points by the two tours if the ban remains in force - effectively reducing the world`s most famous tennis tournament to an exhibition event. "I tried to follow what`s happening because I don`t have any decisions to make. It`s right now about Wimbledon itself, the ATP, maybe the British government is involved," the Russian, who will be returning to action in Geneva after spending the last six weeks recovering from a hernia operation, told reporters on Sunday. ALSO READ | World No. 1 Iga Swiatek retains Italian Open title with 28th straight win "It`s a tricky situation and like every situation in life, you ask 100 players, everybody`s going to give a different opinion. "(When) you show a tennis ball to 100 people, I`m sure some of them are going to say it`s green and not yellow. I think it`s yellow. (But) if somebody tells me it`s green, I`m not going to get in conflict with this person." Medvedev, who lost in the Australian Open final to Rafa Nadal in January, missed the beginning of the European claycourt season as he had to skip events in Monte Carlo, Madrid and Rome while he recovered his fitness. The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) barred players from the two countries from competing at this year`s Wimbledon in response to what Russia calls a "special military operation" in Ukraine. Belarus has been a key staging area for the invasion. The AELTC said it made the decision following discussions with the British government. U.S. Open champion Medvedev said he remained hopeful that the AELTC might make a late u-turn on its decision. "I don`t know if this decision is 100% and it`s over (for me)," he said. "If I can play, I`m going to be happy to play in Wimbledon. I love this tournament. If I cannot play -- well, I`m going to try to play other tournaments and prepare well for next year if I have the chance to play."

World No. 2 Daniil Medvedev still hopeful of playing in Wimbledon 2022

Ahead of Wimbledon 2022, a Russian player -- Natela Dzalamidze -- has undergone a change in her nationality to avoid a ban. For the unversed, the Wimbledon organisers, the All England Club had announced in April, that players from Russia and Belarus would be barred from competing this year in the aftermath of&nbsp;Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Nonetheless, an All England Club spokesman revealed to The Times that they were powerless to interfere in Dzalamidze's change of nationality (to Georgian). He mentioned that as this was a matter for the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) and the International Tennis Federation (ITF), the All England Club couldn't do much about it whereas Dzalamidze&nbsp;had even satisfied all her entry requirements.&nbsp;"Player nationality, defined as the flag they play under at professional events, is an agreed process that is governed by tours and the ITF," the spokesman said.

After her nationality change, Dzalamidze will gear up to take part&nbsp;in the women's doubles with Serbian partner&nbsp;Aleksandra Krunic, when the tournament kicks off on June 27.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-dont-support-it-ukraines-elina-svitolina-on-us-opens-decision-to-allow-russian-players-to-participate-489483">'I don't support it': Ukraine's Elina Svitolina on US Open’s decision to allow Russian players to participate</a>

Wimbledon's ban

The&nbsp;ban of Russian and Belarus players from the iconic tournament was a big announcement. It made heads turn and led to a widespread&nbsp;reaction&nbsp;in the tennis world, with the WTA and the ATP&nbsp;going ahead and stripping the marquee tournament of ranking points. So far, no other Grand Slam tournaments have taken such a big step with the US Open recently announcing that Russia and Belarus players will be able to participate in the fourth and final Grand Slam of the year under a neutral flag.

Following the criticism of the ban, two&nbsp;All England Club officials had even defended the decision during a news conference, saying that the&nbsp;"intensely tough and agonising decision"&nbsp;to restrict players from Russia and Belarus from Wimbledon this year was carried out only due to&nbsp;Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Citing the club’s “responsibility to play our part in limiting the possibility of Wimbledon being used to justify the harm being done to others by the Russian regime,” Chief Executive Sally Bolton said, “we believe that this decision is the only viable option for Wimbledon.”

While all eyes are on the marquee event to commence next week, Wimbledon's ban will see some big-ticket players missing out, such as world number 1 Daniil Medvedev&nbsp;as well as two-time major winner 32-year-old Victoria Azarenka.

Ahead of Wimbledon 2022, a Russian player -- Natela Dzalamidze -- has undergone a change in her nationality to avoid a ban. For the unversed, the Wimbledon organisers, the All England Club had announced in April, that players from Russia and Belarus would be barred from competing this year in the aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Ahead of Wimbledon 2022, a Russian player -- Natela Dzalamidze -- has undergone a change in her nationality to avoid a ban. For the unversed, the Wimbledon organisers, the All England Club had announced in April, that players from Russia and Belarus would be barred from competing this year in the aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Nonetheless, an All England Club spokesman revealed to The Times that they were powerless to interfere in Dzalamidze's change of nationality (to Georgian). He mentioned that as this was a matter for the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) and the International Tennis Federation (ITF), the All England Club couldn't do much about it whereas Dzalamidze had even satisfied all her entry requirements. "Player nationality, defined as the flag they play under at professional events, is an agreed process that is governed by tours and the ITF," the spokesman said. After her nationality change, Dzalamidze will gear up to take part in the women's doubles with Serbian partner Aleksandra Krunic, when the tournament kicks off on June 27. ALSO READ | 'I don't support it': Ukraine's Elina Svitolina on US Open’s decision to allow Russian players to participate Wimbledon's ban The ban of Russian and Belarus players from the iconic tournament was a big announcement. It made heads turn and led to a widespread reaction in the tennis world, with the WTA and the ATP going ahead and stripping the marquee tournament of ranking points. So far, no other Grand Slam tournaments have taken such a big step with the US Open recently announcing that Russia and Belarus players will be able to participate in the fourth and final Grand Slam of the year under a neutral flag. Following the criticism of the ban, two All England Club officials had even defended the decision during a news conference, saying that the "intensely tough and agonising decision" to restrict players from Russia and Belarus from Wimbledon this year was carried out only due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Citing the club’s “responsibility to play our part in limiting the possibility of Wimbledon being used to justify the harm being done to others by the Russian regime,” Chief Executive Sally Bolton said, “we believe that this decision is the only viable option for Wimbledon.” While all eyes are on the marquee event to commence next week, Wimbledon's ban will see some big-ticket players missing out, such as world number 1 Daniil Medvedev as well as two-time major winner 32-year-old Victoria Azarenka.

Ahead of Wimbledon 2022, Russian player avoids ban by changing nationality: Report

Rafael Nadal defeated 23-year-old Casper Ruud in straight sets to win the 2022 French Open title on Sunday (June 05). Throughtout the just-concluded tournament in Paris, the 36-year-old Nadal was ailing with an injury, however, he still managed to beat World number one and defending champion Novak Djokovic in the quarter-finals before extending his dominance at the Roland Garros with a sublime win in the final.&nbsp;

Nadal beat Ruud 6-3, 6-3, 6-0 to claim his 22nd Grand Slam title, most by any in men's singles and opened up on his future. While a lot has been said and written about this year's French Open being Nadal's last, the veteran said that he 'will keep fighting' to carry on and then opined on his participation in the forthcoming Wimbledon 2022.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ruthless-rafael-nadal-tharshes-casper-ruud-to-win-14th-french-open-crown-clinches-22nd-grand-slam-title-485366">Ruthless Rafael Nadal thrashes Casper Ruud to win 14th French Open crown, clinches 22nd Grand Slam title</a>

Nadal opened up about participating at the Wimbledon and said after the finale,&nbsp;"I am going to be in Wimbledon if my body is ready to be in Wimbledon. Wimbledon is not a tournament that I want to miss."

"Wimbledon is a priority, always has been a priority. If I'm able to play with anti-inflammatories yes. To play with anaesthetic injections, I do not want to put myself in that position again. It can happen once but no it's not the philosophy of life I want to follow. Let's see. I am always a positive guy and always expect the things are going the right way. Let's be confident, let's be positive and let's see what's going on," Nadal added.

Many big names have already pulled out of the upcoming Wimbledon in London. While Nadal hasn't given a sureshot answer with regard to his participation, many of his loyalists across the globe would hope for him to return on court and claim his 3rd title at the Wimbledon, after 12 years.

Rafael Nadal defeated 23-year-old Casper Ruud in straight sets to win the 2022 French Open title on Sunday (June 05). Throughtout the just-concluded tournament in Paris, the 36-year-old Nadal was ailing with an injury, however, he still managed to beat World number one and defending champion Novak Djokovic in the quarter-finals before extending his dominance at the Roland Garros with a sublime win in the final.

Rafael Nadal defeated 23-year-old Casper Ruud in straight sets to win the 2022 French Open title on Sunday (June 05). Throughtout the just-concluded tournament in Paris, the 36-year-old Nadal was ailing with an injury, however, he still managed to beat World number one and defending champion Novak Djokovic in the quarter-finals before extending his dominance at the Roland Garros with a sublime win in the final. Nadal beat Ruud 6-3, 6-3, 6-0 to claim his 22nd Grand Slam title, most by any in men's singles and opened up on his future. While a lot has been said and written about this year's French Open being Nadal's last, the veteran said that he 'will keep fighting' to carry on and then opined on his participation in the forthcoming Wimbledon 2022. ALSO READ | Ruthless Rafael Nadal thrashes Casper Ruud to win 14th French Open crown, clinches 22nd Grand Slam title Nadal opened up about participating at the Wimbledon and said after the finale, "I am going to be in Wimbledon if my body is ready to be in Wimbledon. Wimbledon is not a tournament that I want to miss." "Wimbledon is a priority, always has been a priority. If I'm able to play with anti-inflammatories yes. To play with anaesthetic injections, I do not want to put myself in that position again. It can happen once but no it's not the philosophy of life I want to follow. Let's see. I am always a positive guy and always expect the things are going the right way. Let's be confident, let's be positive and let's see what's going on," Nadal added. Many big names have already pulled out of the upcoming Wimbledon in London. While Nadal hasn't given a sureshot answer with regard to his participation, many of his loyalists across the globe would hope for him to return on court and claim his 3rd title at the Wimbledon, after 12 years.

'Wimbledon is not a tournament...': Rafael Nadal opines on future after winning 14th French Open title

The European tour banned golfers who competed in the Saudi-backed breakaway LIV series from three upcoming tournaments, including the Scottish Open, on Friday and fined them $120,000. The tour said any players who took part in the inaugural LIV event in England this month would be suspended from the Scottish Open, Barbasol Championship and Barracuda Championship, and fined 100,000 pounds ($123,000). All three of those events are co-sanctioned by the European tour and the PGA, which has suspended players who competed in LIV.

There could be further sanctions" if the players continue to compete in LIV without authorization, the European tour said. Many members I have spoken to in recent weeks expressed the viewpoint that those who have chosen this route have not only disrespected them and our Tour, but also the meritocratic ecosystem of professional golf that has been the bedrock of our game for the past half a century and which will also be the foundation upon which we build the next 50 years," European tour chief executive Keith Pelley said. Their actions are not fair to the majority of our membership and undermine the Tour, which is why we are taking the action we have announced today.

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The European tour's announcement came while some players signed to LIV were playing in one of its own events. Some of the European tour's best-known players were on course Friday at the BMW International Open, including major winners Louis Oosthuizen, Sergio Garcia and Martin Kaymer. They all played the inaugural LIV event in England.

The European tour banned golfers who competed in the Saudi-backed breakaway LIV series from three upcoming tournaments, including the Scottish Open, on Friday and fined them $120,000.

The European tour banned golfers who competed in the Saudi-backed breakaway LIV series from three upcoming tournaments, including the Scottish Open, on Friday and fined them $120,000. The tour said any players who took part in the inaugural LIV event in England this month would be suspended from the Scottish Open, Barbasol Championship and Barracuda Championship, and fined 100,000 pounds ($123,000). All three of those events are co-sanctioned by the European tour and the PGA, which has suspended players who competed in LIV. There could be further sanctions" if the players continue to compete in LIV without authorization, the European tour said. Many members I have spoken to in recent weeks expressed the viewpoint that those who have chosen this route have not only disrespected them and our Tour, but also the meritocratic ecosystem of professional golf that has been the bedrock of our game for the past half a century and which will also be the foundation upon which we build the next 50 years," European tour chief executive Keith Pelley said. Their actions are not fair to the majority of our membership and undermine the Tour, which is why we are taking the action we have announced today. ALSO READ | Simone Asia Pacific Cup: 4 Indian women golfers to compete in tournament The European tour's announcement came while some players signed to LIV were playing in one of its own events. Some of the European tour's best-known players were on course Friday at the BMW International Open, including major winners Louis Oosthuizen, Sergio Garcia and Martin Kaymer. They all played the inaugural LIV event in England.

European tour fines and bans Saudi-backed LIV series golfers from upcoming events, including Scottish Open

Serena Williams will begin her Wimbledon comeback by facing Harmony Tan, a 24-year-old from France who is ranked 113th and owns a 2-6 career record in Grand Slam matches. The placement of Williams in the women's bracket was the most anticipated aspect of Friday's draw at the All England Club. She is making her first appearance in singles at any tournament since she hurt her right leg and stopped playing during the first set of her first-round match at Centre Court a year ago.

Because of her lack of activity over the past 12 months, Williams who has been No. 1 in the rankings&nbsp;is outside the WTA's top 1,200 this week and so could have ended up anywhere in the field and against any opponent in the first round. She only returned to the tour this week by playing two doubles matches at a tuneup event in England.

While the 40-year-old American's track record would merit a seeding, the All England Club now adheres strictly to the rankings in determining how it seeds players. Williams has won seven Wimbledon championships, part of her total of 23 Grand Slam singles titles, a record for the professional era. Tan, meanwhile, will be making her debut at the grass-court tournament.

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If Williams gets past Tan, next up could be a match against Sara Sorribes Tormo, who is seeded 32nd but has never been past the second round at the All England Club or the third round at any major in 19 past appearances. The third round potentially would put Williams against a tougher test: No. 6-seeded Karolina Pliskova, who was the runner-up to Ash Barty last year at Wimbledon and also reached the final of the 2016 U.S. Open beating Williams in the semifinals there.

Barty retired at age 25 in March and so is not defending her title when play begins on Monday. That also leaves open the question of which woman will have the honor of playing the first match at Centre Court on Tuesday, a slot traditionally reserved for the prior year's champion. The two most likely choices would seem to be No. 1 Iga Swiatek, who enters on a 35-match winning streak and is coming off a title at the French Open, or Simona Halep, who won the 2019 trophy at Wimbledon, beating Williams in the final, but did not get the chance to begin things at Centre Court in 2020, when the tournament was canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic, or in 2021, because she was injured and unable to play.

Serena Williams will begin her Wimbledon comeback by facing Harmony Tan, a 24-year-old from France who is ranked 113th and owns a 2-6 career record in Grand Slam matches.

Serena Williams will begin her Wimbledon comeback by facing Harmony Tan, a 24-year-old from France who is ranked 113th and owns a 2-6 career record in Grand Slam matches. The placement of Williams in the women's bracket was the most anticipated aspect of Friday's draw at the All England Club. She is making her first appearance in singles at any tournament since she hurt her right leg and stopped playing during the first set of her first-round match at Centre Court a year ago. Because of her lack of activity over the past 12 months, Williams who has been No. 1 in the rankings is outside the WTA's top 1,200 this week and so could have ended up anywhere in the field and against any opponent in the first round. She only returned to the tour this week by playing two doubles matches at a tuneup event in England. While the 40-year-old American's track record would merit a seeding, the All England Club now adheres strictly to the rankings in determining how it seeds players. Williams has won seven Wimbledon championships, part of her total of 23 Grand Slam singles titles, a record for the professional era. Tan, meanwhile, will be making her debut at the grass-court tournament. ALSO READ | John McEnroe reacts as Wimbledon 2022 to kickoff without Roger Federer for first time in over two decades If Williams gets past Tan, next up could be a match against Sara Sorribes Tormo, who is seeded 32nd but has never been past the second round at the All England Club or the third round at any major in 19 past appearances. The third round potentially would put Williams against a tougher test: No. 6-seeded Karolina Pliskova, who was the runner-up to Ash Barty last year at Wimbledon and also reached the final of the 2016 U.S. Open beating Williams in the semifinals there. Barty retired at age 25 in March and so is not defending her title when play begins on Monday. That also leaves open the question of which woman will have the honor of playing the first match at Centre Court on Tuesday, a slot traditionally reserved for the prior year's champion. The two most likely choices would seem to be No. 1 Iga Swiatek, who enters on a 35-match winning streak and is coming off a title at the French Open, or Simona Halep, who won the 2019 trophy at Wimbledon, beating Williams in the final, but did not get the chance to begin things at Centre Court in 2020, when the tournament was canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic, or in 2021, because she was injured and unable to play.

Serena Williams to kick off Wimbledon 2022 against 113th-ranked Harmony Tan

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