It comes as fears over the prospect of Daniil Medvedev winning Wimbledon and parading one of sport’s most prestigious trophies on Centre Court alongside members of the Royal family was a prominent consideration in the decision to ban Russian players from this year’s Championships.
Medvedev, the reigning US Open champion and current world No 2, would be among the tournament favourites and it is understood that the optics of a trophy presentation has been high on decision-makers’ minds.
The move has provoked outrage in Moscow.
Read more analysis in the Your Royal Appointment newsletter.
Germany’s Nato warning over sending weapons to Kyiv
Turning to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Olaf Scholz was backed today by the German military over his refusal to send heavy weapons to Kyiv. Supplying light tanks from its own army stocks would leave Germany underequipped and unable to fulfil its Nato obligations, the country’s deputy chief of staff claimed. This comes as one of the commanders of Ukrainian troops engaged in Mariupol’s last stand said they may have only hours or days to live and require international intervention to evacuate soldiers, civilians and wounded. The family of a British man captured in Ukraine have accused Russia of breaking the Geneva Convention after it broadcast a “distressing” video of him.
BBC hits back at Boris Johnson over coverage criticism
In Britain, Boris Johnson came out swinging at Prime Minister’s Questions today, delivering a combative performance which No 10 will be hoping will bolster support among Tory MPs ahead of his trip to India. It comes after the BBC hit back at the Prime Minister’s criticism of the broadcaster’s coverage of “partygate” and questioned whether Mr Johnson would ever “put his life on the line for truth”. Yet Jeremy Warner asks why are we doing a free-trade deal with India’s Putin-loving prime minister? Meanwhile, former Labour chancellor Ed Balls has privately not ruled out standing as a Labour candidate in the Wakefield by-election, telling friends he has “lots coming up” in his life.
Comment and analysis
Around the world: Macron and Le Pen in TV debate
Marine Le Pen and Emmanuel Macron do battle tonight in a crunch TV debate that could prove crucial to the outcome of Sunday night’s closely fought French presidential election. Ahead of the debate, Mr Macron holds a solid poll lead of around 10 points but his camp has warned against any complacency in the prime-time duel – their only direct clash – which will be watched by millions. Undecided voters and abstentions could swing the outcome. Read the seven potentially crucial flashpoints.
Wednesday interview
Sharon Stone: ‘Don’t wear something just because it’s a trend’
