Daniil Medvedev news: US Open champion may have to denounce Putin to play at Wimbledon
Daniil Medvedev may have to give assurances to denounce Russian leader Vladimir Putin if he is to be allowed to participate in this year’s Wimbledon.
Russia has attracted criticism throughout the world as a result of it’s invasion of Ukraine last month. Russian and Belarusian players participating at the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells have had to do so as neutral athletes.
UK Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston has indicated that the Russian flag is unlikely to be allowed at Wimbledon.
He also confirmed that the UK government is in talks with the All-England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) regarding their stance on Wimbledon which starts in late June.
“We are talking to various sports about this and what the response should be there,” said Huddleston to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport committee.
“Absolutely nobody flying the flag for Russia should be allowed or enabled.
“It needs to go beyond that. I think we need to have some assurance that they are not supporters of Putin and we are considering what requirements we may need to get assurances along those lines.
“In short, would I be comfortable with a Russian athlete flying the flag of Russia, No.”
As things stand, Russian athletes have not been banned from tennis competitions. However, Russia have been banned from team events such as the Davis Cup where players represent a country.
Political freedom in Russia is a controversial issue with reports suggesting that opponents and critics of Putin face regular discrimination. It is for this reason that it may be difficult for Russian sports stars to voice their opinions against and actively criticise Putin.
According to Huddleston, the UK are consulting other countries in order to find a way to determine how Russian players should be treated.
“We are looking at the issue of what we do with individuals and we are thinking about the implications of it. I don’t think people would accept individuals flying the Russian flag, in particular if there is support of Putin and his regime,” said Huddleston.
