OREANDA-NEWS  The founder of the Women's Tennis Association (WTA), American Billie Jean King, called for the Russians to be allowed to Wimbledon in 2023. Her words are quoted by Planet Sport.

"Just let them play and get their money, of course, these are rating points. They should have this opportunity. Life is too short," King said. She stressed that the WTA was created in order to protect the rights of players.

In April 2022, the organizers of Wimbledon did not allow athletes from Russia and Belarus to participate in the tournament. Representatives of the WTA and the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) condemned the decision, calling it discrimination based on nationality.

Russian tennis players compete at the ATP and WTA tournaments in a neutral status. Athletes at all tournaments are deprived of the flag and anthem. At the same time, Russians are prohibited from playing at tournaments under the auspices of the International Tennis Federation.