Medvedev accepting of international ban, but still questions Wimbledon's decision

| by Jamie Malachy

Daniil Medvedev has explained that he fully understands the reason behind the banning of the Russian tennis team from participating in international tennis tournaments, but that he still disagrees with the decision of the AELTC to ban Russian and Belarusian players from this year's tournament.

It was a hugely controversial, and ultimately damaging, decision taken by Wimbledon organisers this summer. Wimbledon stood alone as the only Grand Slam to impose a full blanket ban on Belarusian and Russian players, in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Rublev sends brave "peace" message after all-Russian match at ATP Finals
Rublev sends brave "peace" message after all-Russian match at ATP Finals

As a result, the ATP and WTA then stripped the tournament of its ranking points, something which had disastrous ramifications on the rankings system for the rest of the decision.

Speaking after his first-round loss against compatriot, Andrey Rublev, at the ATP Finals, the former US Open champion was asked again for his views on the matter.

"If we talk about Davis Cup and United Cup also where we cannot play, I was expecting this decision. If we talk about Wimbledon, would think could have been different", said Medvedev. Unwilling to be drawn much further, he added, "Yeah, I think life is already a tough thing and you have to focus a lot on yourself also".

The former World No. 1's comments came after Rublev wrote the words 'Peace, peace, peace. All we need', on the camera lens following their all-Russian Round Robin encounter.

The issue of the Wimbledon ban still hangs ominously in the air for all involved, as the war in Ukraine continues. If circumstances have not changed by next summer, the controversy is bound to rear its head once more.

However, both Medvedev and Rublev have been determined to focus on the tennis this season, while their inability to participate in the Davis Cup, or the inaugural United Cup next year, appears to have been accepted.

Daniil Medvedev hoping to rediscover magical touch in Turin
Daniil Medvedev hoping to rediscover magical touch in Turin

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