‘I want to play my favorite sport,’ Daniil Medvedev reacts to a possible ban from tennis due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war
Daniil Medvedev
The world is currently in a backseat due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. It was been over two weeks but the two countries still haven’t yet reached a middle ground. People all over the world have called out Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and have demanded the country’s boycott.
The sporting world too is greatly affected by the war, especially Russian players. Many sports have banned Russians from competing while some have restricted them to represent their country. As for tennis, Russian and Belarussian players are not allowed to use the flag of their country not play under its name.
Daniil Medvedev, the World No.1, spoke about the possibility of a ban on Russians in tennis too. He said that while it is still a possibility, he doesn’t want it to happen as major team sports have banned Russian players and not individual ones.
“We never know. The situation is evolving in other sports, in some, they made this decision especially teams one. Tennis is one of the most individual sports and is always one on one. There is always a possibility, but I hope not,” he said.
‘I’m going to be there to play for the fans’: Daniil Medvedev
Medvedev further said that he wants to play his favorite sport and until he has the chance to do it, he will keep playing for himself, his family, and for the fans. He also hoped for a positive situation in the coming days.
“I want to play my favorite sport. Until I have the chance to do it, I’m going to be there to play for the fans, for other people, and for myself. Till I have the chance, I’m going to play. Let’s see how the situation evolves,” he said.
On the court, Medvedev won his second-round match at Indian Wells comfortably against Czech qualifier Tomas Machac in straight sets 6-3,6-2. He will now face Frenchman Gael Monfils in the third round on Tuesday.
Lakshya Chopra
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