French Open 2022: Pro-Vladimir Putin comments will invite sanctions, says tournament director

The 2022 French Open begins on May 29. The Grand Slam tournament will also witness the Russian players participating individually and not representing their nation. The participation of the Russians has been subject to controversy, especially considering the prevailing war between the two countries, with Russia beginning the unprovoked attack. However, tournament director Amelie Mauresmo has issued a stern warning to all the players regarding the situation. She added that anyone found delivering pro-Vladimir Putin (Russian President) comments or statements would face sanctions. While Roland Garros has decided to allow the Russians as per the ATP and WTA guidelines, Wimbledon has banned them.

Speaking to France Inter, Mauresmo stated, “It’s very complicated, probably there is no fair decision to take. We keep the line of what all the European governments – and other governments – decided in March, i.e. national teams of Russia and Belarus were banned, but not the athletes as individuals, as long as they play under strict neutrality. We will be very meticulous about that. There will be sanctions for sure if any of them should have pro-Putin statements in the media.”

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Meanwhile, Wimbledon’s decision to ban the Russian and Belarusian players has drawn criticism, while the competition was also stripped of its ranking points. Meanwhile, record 21-time GS winner Rafael Nadal was asked about the decision to deny Wimbledon of its ranking points, to which he said, “No, and I don’t have a clear opinion on that, so I prefer not to give you a clear answer. And, that’s it. There are some private conversations on the council about this kind of stuff, something that honestly I think it’s not good for the public.”

“The only thing that we can do is to be in touch with Wimbledon and the rest of the ATP management to do the things that work better to protect every player in the ATP. In the end, that’s our job to protect the players and to work for the benefit of every single player that we are representing. That’s all. The rest of the things I cannot talk about,” he concluded, reports Eurosport.