Russian-born Natela Dzalamidze changes nationality to Georgian to compete in Wimbledon
USA TodayDec 30, 2021
Tennis: Dzalamidze Changes Nationality to Compete at Wimbledon
Image copyright: Getty Images [via BBC]
The Facts
Moscow-born doubles tennis player Natela Dzalamidze, 29, will be allowed to compete in this year's Wimbledon tournament after changing her nationality to Georgian.
Her switch came after the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) in Apr. banned all Russian and Belarusian players from the tournament in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
While it may seem harsh, banning these players is necessary to show Putin that the sports world stands against his repeated human rights violations and egregious attack on Ukraine. In normal times, these bans would run contrary to the principles of a free, global society, but these aren't normal times.
Establishment-critical narrative
Asking these players to switch their nationalities, or worse, banning them outright from engaging in their profession, is punishing individuals who have no say in what their government does. These bans could also negatively affect the professional futures and global outlook of young Russians and their future relationship with the West.