‘Russian’ Daniil Medvedev to miss Wimbledon 2022? UK Sports Minister in talks with the All-England Club

World No. 1 Daniil Medvedev continues to remain in the headlines despite being in no way associated with the Russian aggression in Ukraine. Apart from being a citizen of Russia, the player has no involvement in the war that has torn the European nation for nearly 3 weeks now and has seen Russians be affected globally.

The tennis world was no different and with the Russian army continuing its attacks, the tennis governing bodies decided to suspend the Russian Tennis Federation but will allow the players to play only if they agree to play without the Russian flag next to their name as ‘neutral athletes’.

With no other choice, the players have accepted the decision as ATP and WTA removed the Russian flags from all platforms and instead adopted the colours of Ukraine’s blue and yellow. Despite this, the misery for the players continues and Medvedev’s ascension as the World No. 1 coincided with it that sees him being dragged into various issues.

As per the recent reports emerging from the UK, Medvedev could be banned from playing at the upcoming 2022 Wimbledon Championships that are scheduled to begin from 27th June 2022 at the usual All-England Club in Wimbledon. The only way that Medvedev could be allowed to play is if he gives an ‘assurance’ that he does not support Russian President Vladimir Putin and does not wave the Russian flag.

While the decision is yet not finalised, discussions have begun in the UK Parliament over a possible ban that could extend to all Russian players and not only Medvedev. UK Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston continues to remain in touch with the All England Club over their stance on the ‘Russian players’, as per reports of Chris Smyth, Whitehall Editor of The Times.

No restrictions for Daniil Medvedev and others at the 2022 French Open so far

With the 2022 French Open being the next major in line set to begin in 2 months’ time, so far there has been no development that would now allow the Russian players to participate in the second Grand Slam of the season. However, with France also a part of the ‘Allies’ one can never rule out the possibility of the nation developing a similar policy.

Things continue to go wrong for Medvedev who is set to be dethroned by Novak Djokovic once the rankings are updated next Monday after Gael Monfils defeated Daniil in the third round of the ongoing 2022 Indian Wells Open in the Californian desert.

Also Read: “I can completely understand her feelings” Daniil Medvedev sympathises with Naomi Osaka after her heckling incident, brings up his heckling issues in Australia