Players from Russia and Belarus to play at the Australian Open tennis championship without their flags — the Australian Tennis Federation

The governing bodies of tennis ITF, WTA and ATP agreed that Russian and Belarusian athletes can still compete in the championship, despite the continuation of Russia's war against Ukraine. In 2022, the organisers of another Wimbledon event violated this advice and were fined by the WTA and ATP Tours. The organizers of the 2023 Australian Open will not disqualify players from Russia and Belarus. 

"Players from Russia and Belarus can only participate in international tennis competitions as individuals - and without flags or country recognition - which will be the case for the Australian Open 2023. Tennis Australia continues to support Ukraine and its community and players, in particular through the global initiative Tennis Plays for Peace, which includes a charity event before the Australian Open," the Tennis Federation of Australia said in a statement. 

The Embassy of Ukraine in Australia appealed to the organizers with a request to suspend athletes from the Russian Federation.

"It does not matter under what flag the players of the Russian Federation play.  It has Ukrainian blood on it. Russian athletes cannot participate in any international competitions, especially in democratic countries," said Ambassador of Ukraine to Australia Myroshnychenko.

Photo: Australia Open