They said they had taken the “only viable decision” given the position taken by the UK Government to limit Russia’s global influence following the invasion and stood by the ban.
“We deeply regret the impact of this decision on the individuals affected,” said a statement from the Wimbledon organisers.
“However, given the position taken by the UK Government to limit Russia’s global influence, which removed automatic entry by ranking, and the widespread response of Government, industry, sport and creative institutions, we remain of the view that we have made the only viable decision for Wimbledon and we stand by the decision we have made.
Turning to the removal of ranking points, the statement added: “We believe these decisions to be disproportionate in the context of the exceptional and extreme circumstances of this situation and the position we found ourselves in, and damaging to all players who compete on tour.”