Tennis legend Martina Navratilova, one of the most successful players at the All England Club with nine singles titles, joined the growing chorus of voices criticizing the decision.
Speaking in a recent interview with LBC Radio, Navratilova said Wimbledon’s decision was unfair as many players from Russia and Belarus have already expressed their opposition to the war.
According to Navratilova, the only course of action left for the athletes is to denounce their respective countries and start living elsewhere. Navratilova, who sought asylum in the US back in 1975 due to Czechoslovakia’s totalitarian policies, said she could relate to the players’ emotions.
Navratilona said Wimbledon’s decision threatens to destroy tennis’ “democratic” values.
“As a player growing up, Wimbeldon is the one you dream about the most” - Martina Navratilova
Martina Navratilova went on to highlight how Wimbledon is setting a dangerous precedent and potentially crushing the dreams of many aspiring players.
The 18-time Major champion added that it was a “big ask” for authorities to expect players to leave their respective countries behind just to play a tennis tournament.
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