No Issues For Daniil Medvedev Over Signing Of Wimbledon Declaration, Says Agent - UBITENNIS

No Issues For Daniil Medvedev Over Signing Of Wimbledon Declaration, Says Agent

By Adam Addicott
3 Min Read

Former US Open champion Daniil Medvedev will face no problems competing at Wimbledon this year in light of the new player requirements, according to his agent. 

This year’s grasscourt major has removed its ban on Russian and Belarussian players participating in the tournament due to the war in Ukraine. Russia launched a ‘special military operation’ on its neighbour in February 2022 and Belarus is accused of supporting them. Last year The All England Club decided to ban players from those countries from playing amid concerns that they could be used as propaganda by their regimes. A move that was heavily criticized by both the ATP and WTA. 

As a compromise, those representing the two countries at Wimbledon this year are required to sign a declaration of neutrality. Under the terms, they can not express support for the war or their political leaders. Furthermore, they must not be receiving financial support from their state or a company with links to individuals who have been sanctioned due to the war. 

Lev Kassil, who is Medvedev’s agent, has told sport24.ru that the world No.3 has no sponsorship contacts that would breach these terms. 

“If Russian tennis players are required to terminate the agreements, then this does not threaten our clients – they do not have contracts with sponsors that are under sanctions,” Kassil said.

According to Moscow-based Gazetta.ru, Kassil’s clients also include both of the Andreeva sisters. 16-year-old Mirra Andreeva recently reached the third round of the French Open and is currently just ranked outside the top 100. Meanwhile, her sister Erika is ranked 148th in the world. 

Medvedev is looking to get back on track at Wimbledon following his disappointing first round exit at the event 12 months ago. However, his preparation in recent weeks hasn’t gone to plan. Following the clay court swing, he suffered a first round loss in S-Hertogenbosch to Adrian Mannarino. He fared better in Halle last week where he reached the quarter-finals before getting beaten by Roberto Bautista Agut. 

As for the reception he and other Russian players might receive at Wimbledon, Medvedev is taking it all in his stride. 

“We cannot control it, you know. If people gonna decide to be harsh, it is what it is. If they’re gonna be kind, it’s great also. So it’s not for us to decide.” He told reporters in Paris last month. 

Medvedev’s best run at Wimbledon was reaching the last eight in 2021. The tournament will get underway next Monday. 

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