World No.1 Novak Djokovic said Wimbledon’s decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players over Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine is “crazy”. Wimbledon announced on Wednesday that it had barred all Russian and Belarusian players from this year’s championships due to the invasion, which Russia calls a “special operation”.

The decision means men’s world No.2 Daniil Medvedev from Russia and Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus, the world No. 4, will be banned from the June 27-July 10 tournament.

Djokovic, who grew up in war-torn Serbia, said: “I will always condemn war, I will never support war being myself a child of war. I know how much emotional trauma it leaves. In Serbia we all know what happened in 1999. In the Balkans we have had many wars in recent history.

“However, I cannot support the decision of Wimbledon, I think it is crazy. When politics interferes with sport, the result is not good.” Ukrainian Elina Svitolina said Russian and Belarusian players who denounce Moscow’s invasion of her country should be allowed to participate at Wimbledon.

“We don’t want them banned completely,” Svitolina said.

The All England Lawn Tennis Club’s (AELTC) decision has been criticised by the ATP and WTA tours.