Following its decision of banning Russian players from playing this year, Wimbledon has been receiving a mixed bag of reactions from players around the world. The majority of these decisions are against one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments. The newest edition in the long list of players is Australia’s, John Millman.

Learning about Wimbledon’s decision of banning Russian players, Millman took to his Twitter account, putting forward his views on the decision. The 32-year-old asserted that it would be better if Wimbledon donated their profit from this year’s tournament to aid Ukraine financially than banning Russian players.

He tweeted, “I feel like Ukraine would be better served if Wimbledon donated their entire profit in support aid instead of banning the Russian and Belarusian players.”

Millman might have expressed his views in the most positive way. However, it didn’t seem to go well with a WTA Ukrainian player,  Marta Kostyuk.

Millman indulges in a banter with Marta Kostyuk

Marta Kostyuk has been highly vocal about her stand on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis. The 19-year-old has put forward her strong views on the matter, criticizing the tennis community for its response to the crisis. In response to Millman’s tweet, she asserted that Ukraine needs peace and freedom and not money. she also took a dig at fellow players saying Silence is a betrayal.

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She said, “John Millman 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.”

Reading Marta’s reply, Millman clarified the essence of his tweet. He admitted that he could have delivered his message with more clarity and said, “Hey Marta Kostyuk, Maybe I could have gotten my message across more clearly. I’m in total support of Ukraine and its people. I just feel like Wimbledon is doing this more for their own gain, for good optics rather than to actually help. I pray for your family.”

John Millman and Marta on the court

Following early-round exits at Indian Wells, Miami and Monte Carlo Masters 1000 tournaments, John Millman next entered the

Serbia Open. He kicked off his tournament campaign with a first-round win over Dominic Thiem. However, he suffered a second-round loss against Serbia’s Miomir Kecmanovic in Belgrade.

On the other hand, Ukrainian star Marta Kostyuk suffered second-round exits at Indian Wells Masters and Miami Masters last month.

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What are your thoughts about Wimbledon’s decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players at this year’s Championships?