On Thursday, the IOC invited eight top Russian tennis players, as well as Aryna Sabalenka and Victoria Azarenka from Belarus, to compete as neutral athletes in the Paris Olympics — but some have already denied the expected invitation. Daniil Medvedev, Andrey Rublev, Karen Khachanov, and Roman Safiullin are invited to compete in the Olympic competition at Roland Garros from July 27 to August 4 as Russia’s No. 5, No. 6, and three other men.
Tennis is the latest Olympic sport to receive invitations to Paris. As part of a vetting procedure that would allow certain athletes from Russia and its military partner Belarus to compete with neutral status in individual sports during the invasion of Ukraine. Also read: Tommy Paul Defeats Daniil Medvedev At The Italian Open
The International Olympic Committee is in charge of assessing athletes. Who have expressed support for Russia’s incursion or have ties to military or state security agencies. Also read: Novak Djokovic Felt Water Bottle Incident Impacted Him During Italian Open Loss
Team sports at the Paris Games, beginning on July 26, have barred Russia and Belarus from competing.
This month, the IOC stated that a first wave of 14 Russians and 11 Belarusians were eligible and invited to Paris, competing in cycling, weightlifting, and wrestling. Several invites have been denied.
Belarus sent two rowers and two shooters to Paris on Thursday, but no modern pentathletes. Russia did not have admission quotas in those three sports. Also read: Naomi Osaka, Playing “More freely” Since Returning To Tour As She Charges into Miami Open second round Defeating Elisabetta Cocciaretto