Medvedev & Bublik among players announced for controversial exhibition in Russia

Several Russian-born ATP and WTA players have taken the contentious decision to play in an exhibition that is funded by a state-owned company supporting the country's war against Ukraine.

Russia has been at war with Ukraine since launching an illegal invasion in February 2022. Ukraine has battled for its freedom for over three years despite considerable hardship, with continued support from several countries.

Elina Svitolina and Marta Kostyuk are among the Ukrainians who have emotionally talked about the situation in their country and their strong views. Both women believe all Russian athletes should be banned until peace is reached.

Ukrainian players do not shake hands with Russians or Belarusian opponents. Earlier this year, Kostyuk clarified why she made an exception for Russian-born Daria Kasatkina, who switched allegiances to Australia.

The fourth edition of the Northern Palmyra Trophies in St Petersburg will be held on November 29th and 30th. It is an exhibition that has been used as a way of allowing tournaments to be held in Russia during the country's ban from the ATP and WTA Tours.

Gazprom, a Russian state-owned multinational energy company that has played a pivotal role in financing the country's war against Ukraine, sponsors the Northern Palmyra Trophies, making the event even more controversial.

Despite that, several high-profile players have committed to playing at the exhibition. Russian-born 2021 US Open champion Daniil Medvedev is the most high-profile of those announced for the tournament.

When the Ukraine war began, Medvedev said he was in favor of peace. The former ATP world No. 1 has not said anything overtly critical of the Russian government, but still made it clear that he did not favor the war.

That will make his involvement particularly disappointing to supporters of Ukraine. Either Medvedev's beliefs have shifted, or he does not see a problem with holding the same opinion and playing an event in his home country, regardless of who is bankrolling it.

Alexander Bublik, who enjoyed a career-best year, is another man on the entry list. He represents Kazakhstan, but was born in Russia, and has not wanted to say much about the war since it began.

Karen Khachanov's participation in the exhibition is unsurprising. A few years ago, Politico reported that he had an argument with Andrey Rublev, who has spoken out passionately against the Ukraine war.

Several Russian-born WTA players have also committed to the exhibition. They include young star Diana Shnaider, the fiery Yulia Putintseva, and Veronika Kudermetova, who exposed Holger Rune for his interest in her earlier this year.

Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor is another man expected to appear at the tournament. He was the last man to overcome Jannik Sinner, but it was via retirement at the 2025 Shanghai Masters when the Italian began severely cramping.