Field Level Media
26 Jan 2023, 03:35 GMT+10
Saying "life is too short," tennis legend Billie Jean King on Wednesday called on Wimbledon to end its ban on players from Russia and Belarus.
Players from both nations were barred from the major event last year over Russia's invasion of Ukraine. As a result, the ATP and WTA penalized Wimbledon by stripping ranking points from the tournament.
The All England Club is mulling whether to ban players from Russia and Belarus again this year.
"Just keep it the same way as the other ones are. Life is too short," King, 79, who has 12 Grand Slam singles titles, told reporters at the Australian Open on Wednesday. "I think they should get prize money. Just have them play and get their money."
Players from Belarus and Russia are competing at the Australian Open under a neutral white flag as independents.
Two Belarusians -- Victoria Azarenka and Aryna Sabelenka -- are in the semifinals and could meet in the title match on Saturday.
--Field Level MediaGet a daily dose of Irish Sun news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Irish Sun.
More InformationWASHINGTON, D.C.: U.S. President Donald Trump's choice to lead NASA, Jared Isaacman, has told lawmakers that sending astronauts back...
FRANKFORT/JACKSON: It is been about 45 years since a U.S. state last got rid of its income tax on wages and salaries. But now, Mississippi...
NEW YORK CITY, New York: As artificial intelligence drives soaring demand for data processing, electric utilities across the United...
FRANKFORT, Kentucky: Heavy rain over several days caused rivers to overflow across Kentucky, flooding homes and threatening a famous...
KYIV, Ukraine: Talks between Ukraine and the United States over a critical minerals agreement are set to continue this week, as officials...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: Elon Musk's SpaceX, Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin, and United Launch Alliance (ULA) won U.S. military contracts worth US$13.5...
DUBLIN, Ireland: Debate over Ireland's military neutrality is intensifying as the government faces growing pressure to put the issue...
ATHENS, Greece: As Europe braces for the economic fallout of new U.S. tariffs, a top eurozone official has warned the consequences...
KYIV, Ukraine: Talks between Ukraine and the United States over a critical minerals agreement are set to continue this week, as officials...
DUBLIN, Ireland: A major legal battle over corporate taxation has helped Ireland post a record surplus, with the final decision in...
DUBLIN, Ireland: As tensions rise following the imposition of sweeping U.S. tariffs, Ireland's deputy leader, Tanaiste Simon Harris...
DUBLIN, Ireland: Despite recent policy efforts, a major gender gap remains when it comes to taking time off to care for children. A...