ATP scraps ranking points for 2022 Wimbledon

In a decision that could have far-reaching ramifications, the ATP has announced that the 2022 Wimbledon Championships will have no ranking points.

The ATP made the decision after Wimbledon announced a ban on Russian and Belarusian players at this year's Championships following Russia's Ukraine invasion in late February.

The statement said that owing to the discrimination of players on the basis of nationality, which went against the 'integrity' of the ATP Ranking system, the ATP had no option but to strip Wimbledon 2022 of Ranking points. It read:

"The ability for players of any nationality to enter tournaments based on merit, and without discrimination, is fundamental to our Tour. The decision by Wimbledon to ban Russian and Belarusian players from competing in the UK this summer undermines this principle and the integrity of the ATP Ranking system. It is also inconsistent with our Rankings agreement. Absent a change in circumstances, it is with great regret and reluctance that we see no option but to remove ATP Ranking points from Wimbledon for 2022."

The ATP also condemned Wimbledon for setting a "dangerous precedent."

"Our rules and agreements exist in order to protect the rights of players as a whole. Unilateral decisions of this nature, if unaddressed, set a damaging precedent for the rest of the Tour. Discrimination by individual tournaments is simply not viable on a Tour that operates in more than 30 countries."

---

Wimbledon could have allowed Russian and Belarusian players to compete as neutral athletes: ATP

AELTC Press Conference

The ATP statement noted that Wimbledon's decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players from this year's Championships was not a mandate from the UK Government and that it could have explored alternatives like allowing players to compete as neutral athletes.

"We greatly value our long-standing relationships with Wimbledon and the LTA and do not underestimate the difficult decisions faced in responding to recent UK Government guidance. However, we note that this was informal guidance, not a mandate, which offered an alternative option that would have left the decision in the hands of individual players competing as neutral athletes through a signed declaration."

The ATP remains hopeful that there will be an 'acceptable outcome for all concerned' as it stressed the need for a 'united governance structure' to tackle similar issues in the future.

"Our internal discussions with affected players in fact led us to conclude this would have been a more agreeable option for the Tour. We remain hopeful of further discussions with Wimbledon leading to an acceptable outcome for all concerned. More broadly, we believe this matter again highlights the need for a united governance structure across professional tennis so that decisions of this nature can be made in a joint manner."

However, the ATP added that, unlike Wimbledon, ranking points for other UK events in the lead-up to the grasscourt Major will remain intact. That's because the impacted players would have "alternate playing opportunities."

The statement said:

"Separately, as previously announced, we confirm that ranking points will remain at ATP Tour events at Queen’s (ATP 500), Eastbourne (ATP 250) and ATP Challenger events in the UK. We have taken this decision on the basis that alternative playing opportunities are open to Russian and Belarusian players in those weeks, unlike during Wimbledon, which minimises any impact on the integrity of the rankings. Sanctions related to LTA’s violation of ATP rules will be assessed separately."

The ATP added that it condemns Russia's Ukraine invasion and that the body will continue offering support to all those affected.

"Our condemnation of Russia’s devastating invasion of Ukraine remains unequivocal. Immediate action was taken to suspend the ATP Tour event in Moscow and have Russian and Belarusian athletes compete under neutral flags on Tour. In parallel, we have continued our humanitarian support for Ukraine, together with the other governing bodies of tennis, as well as providing direct financial assistance to many affected players."

The third Grand Slam of the year has now been reduced to a virtual exhibition event, which many players could opt to miss, with no ranking points on offer.

It remains to be seen how Wimbledon will react to this development and if it chooses to explore alternatives that would open the door for Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete.