Dan Evans has stated that only reputable players were consulted before points were withdrawn at Wimbledon this year. “Being better at tennis makes your opinion higher,” said the British No. 2.
Grand Slam men’s record holder Rafa Nadal has opposed a ban on Russian and Belarusian players. And world number one Novak Djokovic last night reiterated his support for ATP and WTA action to penalize Wimbledon.
“There is a mistake and we have to show that there will be some consequences,” said the reigning Wimbledon champion.
Frenchman Lucas Pouille is the first player to say he will not play in SW19 because there will be no points, while Japanese superstar Naomi Osaka has revealed that he is also considering not going.
The divisive issue has dominated the start of the French Open and promises to continue until the start of Wimbledon on June 27.
Evans last week stated his opposition to eliminating turf Grand Slam points. And after winning his first match at the French Open, the number 29 explained his frustration at how the decision was made without consulting the majority of players.
“It’s not the right decision, but it’s difficult,” Evans said. “Obviously everyone has an opinion. I want to play for points, obviously, but obviously there are more important things in this decision than I want points.
“I don’t like it when the players say it’s a shame, but I don’t know the details of the problem. I wish I had more player input, but it wasn’t. Like most things, the biggest and best players were asked, and there are many other players on the tour, as well as Rafa and Novak. So, bottom line is that we’re really looking forward to the ATP. “
Harriet Dart also revealed that she had not been consulted about the points deduction. “But being better at tennis makes your opinion stronger,” Evans added. “Do you do it right or wrong? Does that mean it’s a better opinion than mine or Harriet Dart’s? And in my opinion, it was disappointing that we were not asked. And that, as a Briton too, I think he should have asked us.
“I don’t think it’s a decision of the players. But to hear that, he goes the way of no points through the press. We only ask for transparency and this time it was not there “.
Djokovic, who is playing his first Grand Slam this year in Paris after being deported from Melbourne, said: “On a personal level, of course, without having the opportunity to play and defend my 4,000 points, I will drop this year. , Australia and Wimbledon, I’ve been badly affected, but I’ve been talking to ATP management and the president and some of the councilors over the last few days.
I think I’m collectively glad that the players met with the ATP, the governing body of men’s tennis, and they showed in the Grand Slam that when a mistake happens, and there was from Wimbledon, then we have to demonstrate. that there will be consequences.
“So I think that was a wrong decision. I can’t stand it at all. unification.
“I found out a few days ago that there was a document recommending the English government to the All England Club and that they had several options. There wasn’t just one on the table.
“They have not discussed it with anyone in the ATP or with any individual player or, therefore, with Russian or Belarusian players, you know, just to communicate and understand if there is a common point where both parties could be making a commitment and something could work out. So I think it was a wrong decision. I can’t stand it at all. “