LTA: Russian ban threatens UK tennis' existence.

(RT) ⸻ The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) believes the ATP and WTA are serious about suspending its flagship events if the British ban on players from Russia and Belarus continues, which could destroy the organizations. The ban was imposed last year due to the conflict in Ukraine, and the LTA now faces losing the rights to host pre-Wimbledon grass tournaments such as Edgbaston and Queen's Club. The LTA made £14.6 million in ticket sales and over £6 million in commercial revenue from the two events, which attracted 180,000 spectators. A £20 million hit to its revenue would mean the LTA won't be able to fund British tennis talent such as Emma Raducanu. Russian Tennis Federation (RTF) president Shamil Tarpishchev predicted last month that Britain would lift the ban ahead of this summer's tournaments. British tennis associations are currently negotiating with the government, with a decision expected by early April.