Government spokesman Dmitry Peskov was answering a question about banning Russian and Belarusian players from the tournament, which the New York Times reported on Wednesday.
“To make athletes victims of some political prejudice, intrigue, hostility towards our country is unacceptable. One can only express regret here,” Peskov said during a conference call with reporters.
The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC), which organizes and hosts the famous Grand Slam event, told CNN: “We can’t confirm or deny at this time, but we plan to make an announcement this afternoon.”
The information was confirmed to the newspaper by a “high-ranking international tennis official”, who spoke anonymously.
The employee was not authorized to speak on behalf of AELTC, according to the NYT.
“Given that Russia is still a very strong tennis country, our tennis players are at the top of the world rankings, the competition itself will suffer from their elimination,” added Peskov.
“I would like to wish the boys to do everything possible not to lose shape and not to lose their world tennis class.
AELTC told CNN earlier this month that it “continues to participate in discussions with the UK government, the LTA (Lawn Tennis Association) and international tennis governing bodies” regarding the participation of Russian and Belarusian players.
The organizers added that they planned to make a decision before the deadline for participation in mid-May.
A ban on Russian players would prevent several high-ranking players from competing in the iconic Grass Grand Slam tournament.
Four Russians, including the world’s number two and reigning US Open champion Daniil Medvedev, are currently in the top 30 of the ATP Tour.
Russia has five women in the top 40 in the WTA Tour rankings.
Belarus’ Arina Sabalenka is currently fourth in the world rankings and was a Wimbledon semifinalist last year, while compatriot Victoria Azarenka, a former World Cup №1, is currently No. 18.
The AELTC decision will be the first time Russian and Belarusian players have been banned from competing in an elite tennis event.
Tennis authorities have banned Russia and Belarus from international team competitions since the invasion.
Individual players are allowed to compete in ATP and WTA Tours, but not under the name or flag of their countries.
Wimbledon, the third Grand Slam tournament of the year, is set to begin on Monday, June 27.
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