Novak Djokovic criticizes Wimbledon ” crazy ‘decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players, saying’ politics should not interfere with sport ‘

World-renowned player Novak Djokovic has criticized Wimbledon organizers for their decision to bar Russian and Belarusian players from this year’s tournament due to Ukraine’s attack.

Djokovic, Wimbledon’s defending champion for men, said he would not “support” the All England Club, warning that it would not be “good” if politics disrupted the sport.

The decision prevents players such as Daniel Medvedev, the world’s leading men from entering the Grand Slam, from June 27 to July 10.

The ban on many of the top 100 players from Wimbledon has left potential legal action threats, as well as the removal of the ranks, hanging over the British summer stadium.

“I will always criticize the war, I will never support the war since I am a child of war,” Djokovic said during the Serbian Open.

‘I know how much emotional trauma you leave. In Serbia we all know what happened in 1999. In the Balkans we have had many wars in recent history.

‘However, I cannot support Wimbledon’s decision, I think it’ s crazy. If politics intervenes in sports, the result is not good. ‘

Former Ukraine’s third world player Elina Svitolina, who reached Wimbledon semi-finals three years ago, has suggested that Russian and Belarusian players should be allowed to take part in the event if they criticize Vladimir Putin’s war.

“The best way is not to stop them altogether, but to get them to talk about the Ukrainian war, to ask them if they support the Ukrainian invasion, if they support the government,” Svitolina told Sky News.

‘And if they can answer those questions and if they say those who do not support [the war], do not support Putin, do not support Lukashenko, then they will be allowed to participate