The ITF also deprived Russian and Belarusian tennis organizations of membership in the International Tennis Federation.
International tennis federation ITF closes Russian and Belarusian teams from team competitions, ITF says on their website. However, tennis players can practice their profession on professional tours, such as the men’s ATP tour and the women’s WTA tour.
The ATP and WTA announced that Russian and Belarusian players will not be allowed to use country codes or bring country flags to tournaments. In addition, the Moscow professional tournament next October has been canceled.
Men from Belarus were scheduled to face Mexico in the men’s Davis Cup next weekend. Belarusian women were scheduled to play against Belgium in the Billie Jean King Cup in April. Previously, the women’s team race was known as the Fed Cup.
Russian men and women have advanced as reigning champions straight into the final stage of the team competition, with Russian men winning the Davis Cup and women the Fed Cup last season. According to a recent decision, the championship will not be defended.
The ITF also deprived Russian and Belarusian tennis organizations of membership in the International Tennis Federation. Russia and Belarus do not yet have competitions under the ITF.
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