Daniil Medvedev Speaks Out on Controversial Russia Exhibition After Long Absence

Daniil Medvedev will compete at the Northern Palmyra Trophies with several top players in the men's and women's circuit.

Daniil Medvedev Speaks Out on Controversial Russia Exhibition After Long Absence

Daniil Medvedev (via Telecom Asia Sport)

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Daniil Medvedev has opened up about his decision to take part in the upcoming Northern Palmyra Trophies, an exhibition tournament scheduled to take place in St. Petersburg, Russia. The tournament is financed by a Russian energy company, Gazprom, and will feature both male and female athletes from Russia and Kazakhstan.

Medvedev is arguably the biggest player and the most high-profile name among the list of players that will feature in the event. Joining him on the men’s side are Alexander Bublik, Karen Khachanov, and Tallon Griekspoor. Meanwhile, the women’s side is stacked with local stars, which include Diana Shnaider, Veronika Kudermetova, and Anastasia Potapova.

Kazakhstan star Yulia Putintseva completes the list for the women’s side. The exhibition tournament has received heavy criticism in the past few days but cannot be cancelled as it is not sanctioned by either the ATP or WTA. It has been framed locally to maintain high-level tennis activities after official events in Russia were suspended in 2022.

This is the first time that Medvedev will be participating in the tournament since its inception in 2022. The former World No.1 will return home to compete at the tournament, though in an unofficial setting, it is a personal decision he has made to help grow the sport in his country after tournaments in Russia were suspended.

During an interview with Match TV, Medvedev was asked what the reasons for fielding in the Northern Palmyra Trophies were. The 29-year-old revealed that he had not been to St. Petersburg for the past five years, while adding that he will prepare for the tournament as though he’s playing a Grand Slam:

There are many reasons. I haven’t been to St. Petersburg in a long time, since 2020. I’m glad to be back – it’s one of the most beautiful cities, if not the most beautiful. I’ll try to play my best, despite the tournament’s status. I prepared for it as if it were a Grand Slam, especially for the singles matches against Griekspoor and Bublik, as I lost to them this year. Yes, we’ll play unofficially, but I’ll try to beat them. I hope to play good tennis and for the crowd to enjoy it.

Nonetheless, authorities from several tennis federations, including Tennis Australia, have previously advised players participating in events financed by companies subject to political scrutiny. However, players have decided to participate willingly in the tournament despite growing criticism.

Daniil Medvedev opens up about when he decides to split with his former coach Gilles Cervara

Daniil Medvedev had a poor 2025 season in which he failed to get past the second round of all the Grand Slam tournaments. The World No.13’s form grew worse at the US Open, where he lost to Benjamin Bonzi in the first round. After the disappointing exit, he decided to part ways with Gilles Cervara, his long-time coach.

Daniil Medvedev and Gilles Cervara (via X/The Tennis Letter)
Daniil Medvedev and Gilles Cervara (via X/The Tennis Letter)

Medvedev then went on to appoint Thomas Johansson and Rohan Goetzke, who helped him regain his confidence on the court. During an interview with Bolshe, he discussed the moment he decided to split with Cervara despite having a good relationship with the French coach:

We were in Europe. I guess for a while I had already been thinking about it, but unconsciously. Consciously, I realised it after the US Open. It was a difficult time. I had some tough losses in the US and I realised it was the moment I needed to try something new. I talked with him and it was a great conversation between two adults who understand everything, and who are very happy about what they have achieved together.

Medvedev had a good run during the Asian swing, winning the Almaty Open in Kazakhstan. The 29-year-old reached at least the quarter-finals of all the tournaments during the Asian campaign. He also got to the semi-finals of the Rolex Shanghai Masters and the China Open in Beijing.

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