Wimbledon's ban of Russian and Belarusian athletes only hurt themselves, according to Muscovite world No 7 Andrey Rublev.

The All England Club banned players from the two aggressor nations 12 months ago after the invasion of Ukraine but was forced to reverse that decision this season after pressure from both tennis tours.

Players, led by the likes of men's third seed Daniil Medvedev, Rublev and women's world No 2 Aryna Sabalenka, were made to sign a declaration of independence upon their return this year and cannot carry any patriotic symbols on their kit.

'There were better options for Wimbledon, not just to ban players,' said Rublev, who became the first man into the second round after beating Australian Max Purcell in one hour and 33 minutes. 'Because in the end, there was no difference.

'They did only worse to themselves. If we really want to help or do what's best for tennis and for people, I think there were better options.'

Asked if Ukrainian players care about Russians playing, Rublev added: 'I don't think they care that much if I play or don't play.

'I don't think their focus is on me. I feel really happy to be back here.'

Rublev has held a staunch anti-War stance and wrote 'no war please' on the camera after a match in Dubai during Vladimir Putin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine last March.

There were no anti-Russian protests at the All England Club and no boos or jeers were heard as athletes returned to court, beginning with Rublev and Belarusian Victoria Azarenka, who beat China's Yue Yuan in three sets.

'It's just like I never left, honestly,' said Azarenka. 'It feels good to be playing here. I was excited to go out there for my first round.'

Another Russian, Veronika Kudermetova, urged Ukrainians to see them as 'just tennis players' after beating Kaia Kanepi in straight sets. 'I say hi to them (in the locker room). Some people reply, some not. Like others, I just say here we are just a tennis player.'

No players from the aggressor nations have been on the show courts yet, which might have more of a partisan atmosphere than the outer courts with less seats and fluid spectators. 

That changes on Tuesday with Australian Open winner Sabalenka last on Centre Court and Daniil Medvedev taking on Brit Arthur Fery on No 2 Court in the evening session.