Daniil Medvedev says he is “happy” about the decision Wimbledon made regarding the participation of Russian and Belarusian players. On Friday, Wimbledon officially confirmed that Russian and Belarusian players will be allowed to return to The Championships in 2023.
However, there will be a specific set of conditions with which Russian and Belarusian players will be mandated to comply during their stay in England. “I’m happy to know about this. I always said if I can play Wimbledon, I’ll be really happy to be there.
It’s a tournament I love… I cannot say I hate grass, I kind of like it. I’m happy I have the chance to play this year,” Medvedev told Prakash Amrirtraj of Tennis Channel, per The Tennis Letter.
Daniil Medvedev on Wimbledon Russian ban being lifted: “I’m happy to know about this.
I always said if I can play Wimbledon, I’ll be really happy to be there. It’s a tournament I love… I cannot say I hate grass, I kind of like it. I’m happy I have the chance to play this year” pic.twitter.com/SQ2cqrGzmM — The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) March 31, 2023
Medvedev set to return to Wimbledon
Medvedev, 27, is set to make his fifth main draw appearance at Wimbledon.
Medvedev’s best Wimbledon result came in 2021, when he made the round-of-16 before losing to Hubert Hurkacz. In the previous months, Medvedev said several times that he would absolutely love to compete at Wimbledon this year.
Barring an injury, Medvedev will play at Wimbledon this year. When it comes to the Wimbledon organizers, they underlined in their statement that they are still strongly against Russia’s actions in Ukraine. “We continue to condemn totally Russia’s illegal invasion and our wholehearted support remains with the people of Ukraine.
This was an incredibly difficult decision, not taken lightly or without a great deal of consideration for those who will be impacted. It is our view that, considering all factors, these are the most appropriate arrangements for The Championships for this year.
We are thankful for the Government’s support as we and our fellow tennis stakeholder bodies have navigated this complex matter and agreed on conditions we believe are workable. If circumstances change materially between now and the commencement of The Championships, we will consider and respond accordingly,” Ian Hewitt, the Chairman of The All England Club, said.
