The Russian World Chess Champion Garry Kasparov has issued a strong response to the comments made by Serbian Tennis maestro Novak Djokovic. who earlier had hit out at the contentious move by the All England Club to ban players from Russia and Belarus. The 34-year-old had recently said that while he condemns the ongoing, the Wimbledon ban on players from Russia and Belarus was unacceptable.

Many players, including Djokovic, have criticized the decision. Although the tennis world stands divided on this issue. With many welcoming the decision.

Garry Kasparov Criticizes Djokovic for His Comment

Garry Kasparov has been vocal about the Russia-Ukraine conflict. He criticized Djokovic for supporting Russian athletes. In a response to the World Number 1 tennis player, Kasparov deemed his comments as “inappropriate.” He took to Twitter to remind Djokovic of the traumas of war faced by Serbia.

He wrote: “Russia may play by ranking, but they kill by nationality. Russian athletes who do not condemn President Vladimir Putin’s war of extermination in Ukraine are supporting it with silence”.

The all-time great Russian chess grandmaster expressed his disappointment over the fact that Novak Djokovic, being from Serbia, has still supported Russian players.

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Djokovic, being a Serb, knows very well what conflict does to a nation. Although his view differs completely from Kasparov’s, as he believes that politics should not mix with sports.” and a Serb failing to do so is especially inappropriate, considering history,” he added.

Djokovic Set to Defend His Wimbledon Title

Djokovic is all set to defend his Wimbledon title. As the organizers said, players will not need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to compete at the tournament. The tennis star, who couldn’t play in the Australian Open after being deported over his vaccination status, will play in the French Open. Since vaccine passports are no longer required in France.

He is one title away from tying Rafael Nadal, who has 21 major titles. Although the Serb is not in the best of his form. He remains without an ATP title after losing to Russia’s Andrey Rublev in the final of the Serbia Open.

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Even though the current form suggests something else, Novak’s fans will hope for a stronger comeback. And to brush aside the recent setbacks to win a major title.