Daniil Medvedev insists ‘if I can play Wimbledon I will be happy to be there, even without points’

Shahida Jacobs
May 27, 2022

Daniil Medvedev says he would be happy to compete at Wimbledon should the ban on Russian and Belarusian players be lifted.

As things stand, the world No 2 won’t play at The Championships this year after the All England Club opted to ban players from the two countries following Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine.

The controversial move was criticised and the ATP and WTA then hit back by stripping Wimbledon of ranking points.

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With Wimbledon doubling down despite the response from the two governing bodies, it was thought that was that and some players, including former world No 1 Naomi Osaka, suggested they would not compete at SW19 as it would be an exhibition event.

However, it was revealed this week at Wimbledon officials will travel to Roland Garros this week to try to come up with a solution.

When asked for his views, Medvedev replied: “They have to, you know, communicate to other players, yeah, about what they are doing. I think it’s a tricky situation, because if you come and talk to the council players, they are going to be super happy to answer all your questions, but sometimes we as players, we don’t have much free time.

“When the ATP announced it, I was, like, ‘Okay, it’s official’. Right now I don’t know what’s gonna happen. You know, my main job is to play tennis, try to get points here as much as I can.

“Again, I’m gonna repeat again, if I can play Wimbledon I will be happy to be there, even without points. With points, will be happy to be there and try to get some points. If I cannot play, I’m gonna stay home, practice hard, and try to be better for my next tournaments.”

Daniil Medvedev