Number one player of Russia, Daniil Medvedev said that he wants to continue the promotion of his sport but he is not sure if he would get the allowance to play on.
Because of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Medvedev, like all players from Russia and Belarus will not be able to compete under his own flag.
But tennis authorities said that players can compete as individuals at this time of war.
Medvedev said that it is always tough to speak on this subject, as he wants to play tennis in different countries.
Medvedev spoke on the eve of the first Masters event of the year in Indian Wells. He said that he wants to promote his sport and want to promote what he is doing in his country for sure as because of the current situation, it is the only way he can play.
Russian athletes are banned from athletics, badminton, canoeing as well as rowing. Also, there are no Russian or Belarusian athletes that are competing at the Beijing Winter Paralympics.
Medvedev when asked that if he thinks that tennis will follow their lead, he replied that one never know, as some sports have made this decision, especially he thinks of the team sports.
He adds that tennis is probably one of the most individual sports in the world as many players are living in so many different places. There is always a possibility, but her hopes not.
Last month, Medvedev passed Serbia’s Novak Djokovic in the world rankings and reached the number one spot.
Since, Andy Roddick in 2004, Medvedev is the first player who is not named either Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal or Andy Murray who holds the top spot.
Medvedev is 150 points clear of Djokovic who is not going to compete in Indian Wells or Miami this month. He was unable to overcome CDC regulations that has banned him from entering the country because of his vaccination status.
The International Olympic Committee has also banned Russian and Belarusian athletes from competing at its events that includes the Winter Olympics.
On the other hand, FIFA and UEFA have also removed Russia’s football team from the upcoming World Cup play-offs that comes after the Polish Football Association that stated that it would forfeit the game against Russia.
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus is the top seed in the women’s singles at Indian Wells as Ashleigh Barty and Barbora Krejcikova are not present.
She said that she has not felt any hostility from her Ukrainian peers but she admits that the players’ area is not as happy as it usually has been.
She also said that she is feeling sad and bad about Ukrainian citizens who have lost their homes in the war.
She also added that at least the other nationalities players can play. She does understand why she cannot play under the Belarusian flag but it’s not under their control.
