‘I Don’t Feel It’s Fair’- Novak Djokovic Extends Support to Russian and Belarusian Athletes Over Wimbledon Ban

Novak Djokovic is all set to make the best out of the opportunity to clinch the grand slam title at Wimbledon. Without any doubt, it is going to be a tough fight. Wimbledon’s move to ban the Russian and the Belarusian players has made it lose its ranking points.

Novak Djokovic had condemned the move by the Wimbledon to ban the players; while sympathising towards Ukraine. However, the Serb still did not support the ban on the players.

Novak Djokovic finds the ban unfair on Russian and Belarusian players

The reporter asked the player about Ukrainian former player, Sergiy Stakhovsky’s point of view regarding the continuation of the ban on the Russian and Belarusian players. Djokovic replied, “I know Sergiy for a long time. I understand the frustration coming from him. I am not gonna comment or get in the midst of the war, but what I can say is that as a child of war, actually during 90s I know what it feels like, being in the position.”

However, he also presented his views on the ban. He said, “I can’t say I fully agree to ban Russian tennis players or Belarusian players from competing indefinitely. I don’t feel it’s fair.”

Should sports be a part of politics?

The Serbian player also gave the example of players who have played under a neutral flag. He condemned the ban by the Wimbledon on the Russian and Belarusian players.

He said, “I feel they deserve to win, they deserve to compete. They are professional athletes. None of them has supported anyway or anything like that.” However he sympathized with Ukrainian people and their cause.

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Djokovic further added, “So I understand both sides, and it’s really hard to say what is right, what is wrong. As an athlete, putting myself in a position where someone would ban me from playing because of the circumstances and I have not contributed to that.”

What is ahead for the Serbian player?

Players like Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev will not be a part of this tour because of the ban.

Novak Djokovic is all geared up for the Wimbledon. He will face Kwon Sun-Woo of South Korea in the first round of the Wimbledon. The player might end up facing his archrival, Rafael Nadal, in the finals. The Serbian player would like to clinch the title to get one step closer to the record of 22 grand slam titles of Rafael Nadal.

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Do you think it is alright to mingle sports with politics?