Wimbledon bosses to travel for key French Open talks amid ranking points row

Wimbledon bosses will travel to Paris tomorrow amid the ongoing row over their decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players from competing.

The All England Club took the decision following guidance from the British Government, rather than going for the other option available to them of getting players from the two nations to sign declarations against the war.

In response, both the ATP and WTA Tours have joined forces to strip Wimbledon of all its ranking points, leading some top players to question their participation while others warned it was in danger of becoming an exhibition event.

Wimbledon chief executive Sally Bolton and chairman Ian Hewitt are scheduled to be in Paris tomorrow to attend the French Open.

Talks are expected to resume regarding their stance over the Russian and Belarusian player ban as well as the decision by the ATP and WTA in response.

Despite objections from some of their players, it is unlikely a U-turn will take place from the ATP and WTA, who have pledged to act in unison with their response throughout.

But Jamie Murray’s doubles partner Bruno Soares, who is on the ATP Player Council, gave a glimmer of hope over a potential change of heart.

He said: “I think if Wimbledon is willing to work together with the players and everyone, there’s room for that. The frustration from the players is not being part of the decision-making process.

“I would sit at the table and say, ‘how can we work together to make a bad situation into something positive?’ Until the tournament starts there is room to change that decision.”

Andy Murray, meanwhile, weighed into the row by insisting the lack of ranking points would not diminish the importance of Wimbledon. He said: “Wimbledon will never be an exhibition and will never feel like an exhibition.”