Dan Evans slams the ATP and WTA for threatening to deny LTA access to pre-Wimbledon events

Dan Evans of the United Kingdom criticized the ATP and WTA tours for threatening to deny the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) access to pre-Wimbledon events like Queen’s if Russians and Belarusians continue to be barred from competing.

After Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, the LTA and All England Club (AELTC) prohibited admissions.

Wimbledon was played without ranking points while the LTA was penalised £1.4 million by the ATP and WTA for its action.

Evans told the Times, “It’s a terrible state of affairs if Queen’s wasn’t on.”

The British number two continued, “I’m not a fan of the threats. “The ATP shouldn’t cast stones since they don’t have windows.

Queen’s is one of the best and most renowned tournaments on the tour and has contributed significantly to the development of the ATP Tour throughout the years.

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The decision to prohibit Russian and Belarusian participation was largely favorably regarded in the UK, although it resulted in Wimbledon losing its ranking points and huge fines.

If players from the two countries are permitted to compete this year, the WTA’s penalties will be reduced after an appeal by half, to £500,000.

Traditional events held at The Queen’s Club, Eastbourne, and other venues in the lead-up to Wimbledon may no longer be held because the WTA and ATP Tours have threatened to revoke the LTA’s membership if it continues to practice “discrimination based on nationality.”

I’m a huge supporter of the ATP in general, Evans said. They do wonderful things, but we need to have reasoned discussions.

It won’t be settled by threatening to revoke the LTA’s license for these events, in my opinion.

Wimbledon is a Grand Slam event, meaning it is not controlled by the ATP or WTA tours, hence there is no risk of it not taking place.

It has an impact on all Britons, Evans added. “With a wild card, they won’t have any chances or playing possibilities.

“I believe that common sense should rule. Additionally, the LTA’s options are somewhat limited. Tennis federations and other regulating bodies are only a small part of this topic.