The Facts
Wimbledon has banned players from Russia and Belarus from this year's tournament, which begins June 27, in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The ban comes despite players from the two countries continuing to compete in ATP and WTA events, albeit without playing under their countries' flags.
The Spin
Narrative A
These athletes are paying a steep price, but bans are necessary to deny Putin one of his most reliable political tools and isolate him internationally.
Narrative B
This is an error. It's unfair to penalize individual athletes for decisions taken by the leaders of their countries, and it sets a dangerous precedent. The intent may be to embarrass Russia, but it will more likely simply foment victimhood back home.
Establishment-critical narrative
It's hypocritical for the British to sanction Russia for invading Ukraine while not sanctioning themselves for invading Iraq for equally unjustified reasons.
Cynical narrative
What looks like a political statement is probably more about optics. Wimbledon dreaded the thought of a Russian or Belarusian player winning the title and then holding up a trophy on its Center Court, before taking traditional pictures with members of the Royal Family.
