A relieved Daniil Medvedev has expressed his joy in response to a confirmation that will make Russian and Belarusian players eligible to play this year at All England Club. The former world #1 and his fellow countrymen were banned from taking part in The Championships and all LTA events last year because of the Ukraine war but the stored tournament has now lifted the ban from the Russian and Belarusian athletes. Because of the polarizing decision, ATP and WTA announced to strip the esteemed event of its ranking points.
Medvedev on the Ban Reversal
Voicing is delight, here is what Medvedev said on the decisions:
“Today I guess its official,” Medvedev said. “So I’m really happy. I always said that I love this tournament. It’s the only Grand Slam, which is surprising when we have Roland Garros, that I didn’t make quarters yet, and I want to do better.
“I think I lost, what, five sets to Hubi [Hurkacz] and to [David] Goffin maybe was third round five sets. But anyway, I had some tough losses there. I want to try to turn this around. It’s a beautiful tournament, a beautiful Grand Slam. I’m really happy that I’m going to be able to play there this year.”
Medvedev’s record at Wimbledon
Not a specialist grass courter, the Russian has recorded some on the natural surface in the past after securing a title at Mallorca Championships in 2021. The 27-year old holds an 8-4 win-loss record in the main draw of Wimbledon where he first played in 2017.
Here are Medvedev’s results at every Wimbledon Championships he has been part of:
2016: Lost in 3rd qualifying round to Marcus Willis
2017: Lost in 2nd round to Ruben Bemelmans
2018: Lost in 3rd round to Adrian Mannarino
2019: Lost in 3rd round to Belgium’s David Goffin
2021: Lost in 4th round to 14th seed polish Hubert Hurkacz
Despite, the clearance of ban, Wimbledon has set some stipulations for the Russian and Belarusian players to participate in The Championships.
In a statement issued by All England Club, it is stated that all players from Russia and Belarus will compete as individual athletes under a neutral flag and will sign an undertaking guarantying they are not funded or in support of Ukraine invasion.
Medvedev to whether if he would have any issues with the conditions set by Wimbledon, “No, not at all.”
He continued, “I don’t have any Russian sponsors. I’m gonna play there like we played all the last year in every other tournament, to be honest. I’m happy to be there.”
“I don’t know what the crowd reaction is going to be, I cannot control it, but I will be happy to play there in front of all the people. Hopefully on big courts. Hopefully have some big, amazing matches.”
Medvedev has defeated fellow Russian Karen Khachanov, 7-6(5), 3-6, 6-3 in the semifinal of the Miami Open and will compete against Italian Jannik Sinner for the 5th Master 1000 crown. He has a clean record against Sinner and will be a favorite for the win.