Russian and Belarusian players return to Wimbledon after ban
"Although we've made the decision to admit those athletes this year, that doesn't change our position on the war in Ukraine," Ms Bolton said.
"We completely condemn Russia's illegal invasion. And so our focus now is just on allowing those athletes to compete." Rublev was in a rush on his return, beating Australia's Max Purcell in straight sets as the first Russian into the second round. The result was marked on a scoreboard with no nationality displayed.Just winning was enough after being excluded last year.
"If we really want to help or do what is better for tennis and for the people, I think obviously there were better options," he reflected on Wimbledon 2022. "Because in the end, there was no difference. They did only worse to themselves. For sure there were options for everyone. Now we are here and I'm really happy to be back and to compete."Victoria Azarenka 'felt great' to be back. Pic: AP"Today to hear people say, 'Let's go, Vika' and cheering me on was also why I play, to play in front of the crowd, to put on a good show. So that felt great.
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