John Millman, the Australian tennis professional, turned pro in the year 2006 and made a run till the quarterfinals of the US Open 2018. Further, he recently hit the headlines by outclassing former world no.3, Dominic Thiem, in the Serbian Open 2022. He got the better of Thiem in a three-set long match by 6-3, 3-6, 6-4.

However, he is trending again, but this time it isn’t because of his on-court performance. Instead, it is due to his tweet related to the decision Wimbledon has taken in regards to the Russia- Ukraine conflict.

John Millman Weighs In

Wimbledon’s decision to ban Russian players from the tournament has opened a platform for debate. Potential players such as former world no.1 Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev will have to step back. Therefore, many tennis fans have voiced against the decision. In the case of Millman, it can’t be said that openly condemned the decision. However, he sure had a few things to say. The Australian wrote, “If you’re going to ban athletes, then also give all your profits in aid. Then we’d know you’re serious.”

Further, he spoke about the money-minded behavior of Wimbledon’s regulatory body. And said, “When I qualified at Wimbledon for the 1st time I asked for two extra ground passes so family could watch – I was told to line up in the queue. Money means everything there.“

When I qualified at Wimbledon for the 1st time I asked for two extra ground passes so family could watch – I was told to line up in the queue. Money means everything there, if you’re going to ban athletes then also give all your profits in aid. Then we’d know you’re serious.

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— John Millman (@johnhmillman) April 21, 2022

Read more: “It’s Very Strict”: John Millman Raises Huge Concerns Over Australian Open 2021

Millman with being a player, is a commentator as well. Therefore, speaking on such a sensitive topic with such so many’s eye on him is supposed to draw attention of both the ends.

Marta Kostyuk’s Reaction

The 19-year-old Ukrainian tennis ace who recently entered the top 50 of WTA took a dig at Millman’s remarks. She said, “Anyone who thinks that decision like this one is targeting players personally is pretty selfish.”

Further, Marta seems to back the decision of not letting the Russians play at Grass courts this year. As she added, “Players are great part of propaganda and big example to their fans. Silence is a betrayal.”

@johnhmillman Ukraine needs peace and freedom that we are dying for right now. Not money.

Anyone who thinks that decision like this one is targeting players personally is pretty selfish. Players are great part of propaganda and big example to their fans. Silence is a betrayal https://t.co/rFEEP8Z4oz

— Marta Kostyuk (@marta_kostyuk) April 20, 2022

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Some people think letting players play with a white flag was enough. And in contrast to that, some people support moves such as complete dismissal from tournaments. However, Wimbledon hasn’t responded to the backlash yet. We will have to wait to see how Russian players’ fates turn out in this year’s Wimbledon championship.