PARIS:
The Worldwide Tennis Federation (ITF) mentioned Friday that the IOC’s transfer to raise restrictions on Belarusian athletes doesn’t have an effect on Belarus’s continued ban from the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup.
In a press release despatched to AFP, world tennis’s governing physique mentioned its stance remained unchanged regardless of the Worldwide Olympic Committee’s determination to raise its ban on Belarus.
“The Worldwide Tennis Federation confirms that the IOC’s announcement doesn’t change its present place relating to the Belarus and Russian Tennis Federations’ suspensions, which stay in place,” the ITF wrote.
Athletes from Russia and its ally Belarus had been banned from worldwide competitors following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, though some have been permitted to compete as neutrals.
Restrictions on Russian athletes stay in place beneath IOC guidelines.
The ITF mentioned its place on Belarus could be reviewed later within the 12 months.
“The membership standing of the Belarus Tennis Federation will likely be thought of on the ITF Annual Normal Assembly in October by the ITF’s voting member nations in accordance with ITF constitutional course of,” the organisation mentioned.
The ITF oversees main worldwide group competitions such because the Davis Cup and the BJK Cup. It additionally organises Olympic tennis occasions along with the IOC.
The participation of Russian and Belarusian gamers on the skilled tour depends upon choices taken individually by the ATP, the WTA and the organisers of the 4 Grand Slam tournaments.
World primary Aryna Sabalenka on Thursday mentioned she hoped she would have the ability to play tennis once more beneath the Belarusian flag.
“For me representing such a small nation, and the onerous work that I needed to do to get to the highest, it is identical to, guys, it is unimaginable, it is a small nation, and to make all of it the best way right here, it means rather a lot to me,” mentioned Sabalenka.
“I’d be tremendous proud to symbolize Belarus.”
