Daniil Medvedev is competing under a neutral flag due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine but he says that tennis is his sole focus.
Medvedev has often been known to ramble on in interview questions, giving long answers trying to address both sides of an argument, instead of opting for one opinion.
This has meant that he has built up a reputation for being a fairly neutral player in terms of opinions on controversial topics, such as the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.
Due to this current conflict, Russian athletes are now seen to be competing under a neutral flag, rather than seen to be representing Russia.
When asked about his opinion on this new obligation of not being able to fully represent his country, he gave his view on how it was affecting, or not, his game:
"For me, what matters is playing tennis. I really enjoy my job. Yeah, again, it's about following the rules. The rule at one point was very clear that we have to play under neutral flag. Me, I'm still Daniil Medvedev. I still want to win big titles, win big matches, or small matches. It doesn't change."
Medvedev arrived in Montreal in hot form, winning in Los Cabos the week before in a commanding fashion. He will be looking to extend that form in Canada.
This American summer swing could prove vital to the Russian who, in the run-up to the US Open, will be looking to go into the year's final Grand Slam in the best possible position to defend the title he won in 2021.
It is not just that he will be looking to defend. Medvedev is also number 1 in the world and has plenty of competition chasing at his heels, ready to pounce if and when he stutters.
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