World Tennis keeps Russian and Belarusian federations suspended

The general assembly’s council voted in Almaty to maintain the membership suspensions, leaving both countries’ teams outside its international competitions.

The decision was announced after the World Tennis conference and annual general meeting held in Almaty, Kazakhstan, on October 12–13. It concerns the Russian Tennis Federation and Belarus Tennis Federation’s membership status and their participation in team events.

Russia and Belarus remain unable to field teams in competitions including the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup. The vote continues the existing restrictions rather than announcing the return of either national team.

Team exclusion is distinct from individual eligibility. Russian players can compete on the ATP and WTA tours under neutral status. The assembly’s decision therefore does not amount to a blanket ban on every international appearance by Russian tennis players.

The IOC withdrew its recommendations on restrictions affecting Russian athletes in July. Some international federations subsequently restored access, but the latest World Tennis vote shows that its membership suspensions remain in force.