Daniil Medvedev explained the locker room atmosphere on the ATP Tour is positive among players, despite the continuation of the Russia-Ukraine war.
Medvedev's response follows claims from women's Australian Open champion, Aryna Sabalenka, that tensions had risen between Ukrainian, Russian, and Belarusian players on the WTA Tour.
Speaking to the press after his Miami Open final win in straight sets against Jannik Sinner, Russian player Medvedev said relationships between fellow competitors are friendly and laid-back on the men's tour currently.
"So in the locker room, never experienced it. Yeah, I always said that's why I embrace ATP tour, because I feel like out of 100 players, yes, maybe here and there there is going to be 5 or 10 which not even you don't like but maybe you're not friends, but out of 90, I don't know, I can laugh, speak, it's an easygoing tour and I love it."
Medvedev's recent comments followed an announcement last week that Wimbledon would allow Russian and Belarusian players to compete at the 2023 tournament. Last season, players from these two nations were banned as a result of global political, economic, social, and cultural sanctions on Russia's decision to invade Ukraine in February 2022.
However, players from these countries must sign a neutrality agreement and cannot express any support for the war in Ukraine. In response and despite the limitations, 27-year-old Medvedev told reporters of his joy at being able to return to SW19 this summer after missing out in 2022.
"About Wimbledon, I'm really happy. Same about Olympics. Every tournament I can play I'm happy to play tennis all over the world, to play for the fans, to play for people, But I'm really happy that I can try to make better result this year. That's the only tournament I haven't been in quarters."
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