Daniil Medvedev admits his future is uncertain as Russian athletes continue to suffer the consequences of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The world number one enters the tournament at Indian Wells having reached the world number one spot and a positive start to the season after reaching the Australian Open final and the semi-finals in Acapulco.
However the Russian enters ‘Tennis Paradise’ with uncertainty hanging over his head with Russian athletes continuing to suffer the consequences of the war in Ukraine.
Medvedev as well as every other Russian and Belarusian athlete will compete under a neutral flag for the time while athletes are not being banned from playing tennis, the situation is constantly under review.
Speaking ahead of Indian Wells Medvedev admits his future is uncertain and is still looking to promote the sport the best he can, “It’s always tough to talk on this subject because I want to play tennis; play in different countries,” Medvedev told the BBC.
“I want to promote my sport, I want to promote what I’m doing in my country for sure, and right now the situation is that that is the only way I can play. We never know – some sports made this decision, especially I would think the team sports.
“Tennis is probably one of the most individual sports we have in the world. Everyone’s living in so many different places. There’s always a possibility, but I hope not.”
Despite there being a possibility that Medvedev could be banned from competing, for the time being the Russian is focused on the task in front of him in America.
Medvedev is now looking to extend his lead over Novak Djokovic who will not be playing in California or at the Miami Open.
The Russian admits he is motivated to continue his high performance level, “I think it’s a lot of pressure, but at the same time a lot of motivation,” Medvedev said in his press conference about the world number one spot.
“I’m going to try to do my best. It’s the same every tournament you play, try to gain as many points as possible. Here it’s 1,000 points. But of course the draw is very tough, a lot of strong players, so it’s not easy to make it.”
Medvedev heads into the tournament with a 1,100 point lead over Novak Djokovic heading into the two Masters 1000 events.
Medvedev will play either Tomas Machac or Alexei Popyrin in his opening match which will take place on Saturday.
