Daniil Medvedev has hailed the United States Tennis Association’s decision to allow Russian and Belarussian players to compete at the US Open where he will be defending his title.
The world No.1 claimed his maiden Grand Slam title in New York last year by defeating Novak Djokovic in the final. There had been uncertainty over his participation in this year’s tournament after Wimbledon decided to ban players from the two countries in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine (Belarus is suspected of supporting Russia).
However, earlier this week officials at the US Open confirmed that they will not be implementing such a ban at Flushing Meadows. Although those players will only be allowed to compete as neutral athletes which has been the case on both the ATP and WTA Tour’s for weeks.
“It’s great news,” Medvedev told reporters in Halle.
“I’ve always said I will follow the rules and play where I can play. I just want to show my best tennis.
“I’m happy to be able to defend my title. I have some amazing memories from last year.
“That was one of the most special tournaments for me.”
Whilst he may not be allowed to play at The All England Club, Medvedev still plans to maintain a packed schedule. Last week he reached the final of an ATP 250 event in s-Hertogenbosch where he lost to Dutch underdog Tim Van Rijthoven. Now he is in the German city of Halle before heading off to Spain to play a third tournament within as many weeks.
“I will play Mallorca next week for sure, I want to defend that title,”he stated.
“Without Wimbledon coming up, I don’t have to preserve my body and I can play three tournaments in a row.
“I’ll then spend a few more days in Mallorca and then return to the south of France to train for the hard courts.
“I may add another tournament to my list, but I’m not sure yet.”
Medvedev kicked-off his Halle campaign on Wednesday with a 6-3, 6-2, win over 2019 runner-up David Goffin. He will next play Ilya Ivashka who is also another player banned from Wimbledon this year.
Out of the top three seeds in this year’s draw, Medvedev is the only player remaining in the draw. Stefanos Tsitsipas was edged out in the second round by Australia’s Nick Kyrgios. Meanwhile, Andrey Rublev lost his opening match to Nikoloz Basilashvili.