‘There Is Neutrality?’ – Karen Khachanov Delivers Sharp Verdict on Wimbledon’s Conditions to Let Russian Players Compete at the Championships

Published 04/01/2023, 5:30 AM EDT

The political tensions between Russia and Ukraine have had a significant impact on the sports world, particularly in tennis. After last year’s complete ban on players from the nations involved in the conflict except for Ukraine, Wimbledon has recently decided to allow Russian and Belarusian players to compete at the Championships. However, it comes at a cost, as the players from those two countries will have to play under a neutral flag. The new conditions have been met with mixed reactions from Karen Khachanov, the semifinalist at the ongoing Miami Open.

In his post-match conference, Khachanov recently shared his thoughts on the matter. In his last match, Daniil Medvedev defeated him in the Miami Open men’s singles semifinals in three sets. Despite the loss, the Russian was confident about his next match.

Karen Khachanov expresses his opinion on Wimbledon’s latest rules

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According to the new rules, Wimbledon has required players to remain neutral. The tournament has ordered players to refrain from making statements about the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. They also added that players cannot have any sponsorship from Russian state entities. Khachanov’s response to these conditions was a simple question: “There is neutrality?”

Khachanov also expressed his belief that the conditions are not particularly unique to Wimbledon, as many other tournaments have similar regulations in place. However, he did acknowledge that the lack of sponsorship from Russian state entities could be a significant obstacle for some players.

The political tensions between Russia and Ukraine have been ongoing. The conflict has had a significant impact on the sports world. According to the Express, the Russian star shared, ” I mean, that’s what you said, all right. I guess we just follow the rules. I think this is what we are doing now, right? There is neutrality? There is no flag since last year’s end of February?”

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Khachanov expressed his willingness to follow the rules and continue playing at Wimbledon. He further added, “It’s nothing different, you know. I don’t have sponsorships now in Russia, so it is what it is.”

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Karen Khachanov’s response suggests a pragmatic approach to the situation. He seems to understand the conditions set in place and is willing to comply with them, while still being able to focus on his performance on the court.

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Aditya Menon is a Tennis Author at EssentiallySports. He developed an unbridled love for tennis from the moment his father introduced him to the sport. Watching Roger Federer dominate the ATP tour with his unique and effortless style played a pivotal role in pushing Aditya to write about tennis for national publications.

Edited by:

Tony Thomas

‘There Is Neutrality?’ – Karen Khachanov Delivers Sharp Verdict on Wimbledon’s Conditions to Let Russian Players Compete at the Championships

Karen Khachanov expresses his opinion on Wimbledon’s latest rules

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