French Open does not plan on excluding Russians from event

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The French Open has no plans to exclude Russians and Belarusians from competing in the Grand Slam event, the French Tennis Federation (FFT) has confirmed.

Players from Russia and Belarus will not have their country or flags identified, a decision taken across the sport following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which has also involved Belarusian territory. But currently, the tournament says it will allow individual competitors to play in Paris.

"We will impose strict neutrality on Russian and Belarusian players," said the FFT's director general Amelie Oudéa-Castera, but added, "We adhere to the EU sports ministries and the countries around us... individual athletes are only banned if they are selected by their countries."

Players qualify for pro tour events based on their ATP or WTA rankings, including for entry in Grand Slam events.

The statement follows recent comments from the British minister for sports, Nigel Huddleston, that the government is looking at greater scrutiny for Russians competing at Wimbledon, though no decisions have yet been finalized.

The FFT confirmed, in addition, that Novak Djokovic and other players who are not vaccinated against coronavirus are also allowed to compete—though any change in government requirements could apply to the event.

"As things are, nothing stands in the way of Djokovic's participation," said Amelie Mauresmo, the tournament director of the French Open.

The ITF has banned Russia from team competitions including Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup. The ATP and WTA Tours have not stopped individual players from competing.