Last year, Wimbledon was knee-deep in controversy because they did not allow Russian or Belarusian players to enter. This year, the All England Lawn Tennis Club, organizers of the slam, are under fire for their promotional video. Their previous champion Novak Djokovic was only in the video for a split second near the end. The organizers received immense flak for his absence. Now, the grass major aims to do damage control on their move. 

The outrage was immense when their promotional video went live on 16th June. Many expressed their displeasure at Djokovic barely having a presence in the video. Along with him, Elena Rybakina, the WTA winner, also had a short appearance in the video. 

Novak Djokovic and Elena Rybakina get their Wimbledon presence

When the AELTC revealed the teaser and the poster for the tournament, an instant outrage followed. The two champions of the previous years were barely present in the promotional video. Along with that, the two were also absent from the poster of the major. But now, they made changes to the poster and added their previous champions. 

They released a statement apologizing for the mishap. “We are extremely proud that Novak appears in our promotional video and that he is presented as one of the champions that other players should challenge. Creatively, the final scene of the promo spot features several singles players who are positioned as challengers, and therefore there is neither Novak nor Elena at that moment,” stated the AELTC.

The organizers confirmed that they did not mean to disrespect the Serbian player. They further said that the aim was to portray him as a challenge for other players. 

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The club further said that they have centered Djokovic in their promotional strategy and they were happy Djokovic would be present in the tournament as followers could see their congratulatory posts on him winning his 23rd slam.

Backlash against the AELTC

Backlash for the teaser followed as soon as the video went live. While everyone pointed out the disservice to the Serbian great, everyone stated different reasons as to why the video was created in such a way. Many believed that the AELTC was still angry that Djoker denied their offer to change his citizenship to the UK. Others simply chastised the creators.

The treatment of Djokovic by AELTC is shameful, but it could’ve been a simple mistake on their end. Regardless of anyone’s presence or absence in teasers, the tournament will attract millions of viewers.

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