Athletes have long been condemned for bringing their political beliefs into the sporting arena,but now two top tennis players face bans for not making a political stand on the Ukraine war.
The tournament’s independent status means it could ban Russian and Belarusian players who fail to denounce Vladimir Putin and not face any legal repercussions.
Novak Djokovic will be allowed to play at the French Open even if he is not vaccinated against COVID-19 while Russian players will be able to compete as neutral athletes.
Russian and Belarusian players will not be able to play in the major if they do not condemn the invasion of Ukraine.
Nick Kyrgios has notched his first win over a top-10 opponent in more than two years and is one win away from an Indian Wells quarter-final after beating Casper Ruud.
The chickens have come home to roost after years of non-action by the IOC,and Russian and Belarusian athletes will be the victims.
The Serbian superstar said he would move on but not forget the way he was treated by Australian authorities during the deportation saga in January.
Rafael Nadal covered more ground than ever before in an Australian Open match as he and Daniil Medvedev smashed their physical ceilings in a classic final.
Rafael Nadal described the Australian Open crowd as “crazy” in its support for him,but not in a way that crossed the line after Daniil Medvedev lamented the reception he received.
Today on Please Explain,sports reporter Scott Spits joins Bianca Hall to recap the tournament’s highlights.
Rafael Nadal has spoken of his struggle to return to the game over the past six months,playing little tennis and missing the US Open with a foot injury.