Rafael Nadal, a 21-time Grand Slam champion and former world #1 racket, spoke about the decision of the ATP and WTA to take away Wimbledon ranking points because the Russians and Belarusians were not allowed to compete.
“I don’t have a clear opinion on that. There is always an office or a person who makes the decision, and all the players have to follow it. Every player has an opinion on everything, but in this world, we need someone to make decisions. It doesn’t matter if I agree or disagree.
At the end of the day, I understand both sides. “I respect and understand the Wimbledon position, no doubt, but on the other hand, I understand and respect the ATP’s desire to protect its members,” Nadal said at the press conference for his Roland Garros second-round exit.
The Wimbledon organizers became the first tennis organization to deny representatives from Russia and Belarus the right to compete. ATP and WTA openly criticized the decision. Nadal did the same.
Nadal on the Wimbledon situation: “I understand both sides. I respect and I understand Wimbledon’s position, without a doubt, but in the other hand, I understand and I respect too that the ATP is protecting their members.”
— Gaspar Ribeiro Lança (@gasparlanca)