Andrey Rublev believes that the relationship between Wimbledon and ATP, the men’s tennis governing body, has turned toxic.
The ATP and WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) withdrew Wimbledon ranking points after the Grand Slam banned Russian and Belarusian players over Russian’s invasion of Ukraine.
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“Wimbledon break agreement between ATP. When you have a deal, you cannot break it,” said Russian player Rublev, after beating Soon-woo Kwon of Korea in the French Open first round.
“I think it (ATP decision) is more to show that tournaments cannot do whatever they want, it is more about team work.”
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Players have 50 per cent stake in the ATP, while tournaments the other half.
“In my opinion, tennis is the only sport that we need tournaments and players to work together,” he added.
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“When we have toxic relationship, like we have now, only bad things will happen.
“If Wimbledon go to other Grand Slams and try to start a tour of their own, it will only destroy tennis. It will destroy the glory that tennis was building for the many years in the past.”
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The Wimbledon ban would mean that a lot of high-profile players, including World No 2 Daniil Medvedev, World No 7 Rublev and WTA stars like Aryna Sabalenka and two-time Grand Slam champion Victoria Azarenka would have to sit out.
The decision taken by one of the most prestigious tournaments on the tennis calendar was widely criticised by current and former players.
