Tennis Australia is standing by its position to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete in this year’s Australian Open. 

Ukraine’s ambassador to Australia, Vasyl Myroshnychenko, is calling for the players to be banned, in line with Wimbeldon in the wake of Russia’s invasion.

TA’s current policy will require Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete as neutral players in Melbourne.

“It doesn’t matter what flag Russian Federation players compete under. It has Ukrainian blood on it” – @AmbVasyl @AustralianOpen ban Russians from competing pic.twitter.com/1aaQQ5qUZQ

— Embassy of Ukraine in Australia and New Zealand (@UKRinAUS) January 4, 2023

Speaking to Bill McDonald on 4BC Summer Drive, Myroshnychenko said he still hopes to have a meeting with TA boss Craig Tiley.

“While war is still going on, it’s not politically correct to have any Russian athletes perform,” he said.

“As you know, there is a collective accountability for what is happening because most Russians support this war.

“It’s important for us to have this public discussion, it’s important for us to raise awareness as to why it’s not the best idea to have Russian athletes perform.”

Press PLAY below to hear the ambassador explain what a ban could achieve

Image: Dan Peled/Getty Images