The Russian tennis player reiterated his stance after more than a year of fighting between Moscow and Kyiv forces. The world number six also admitted he "absolutely loves" Wimbledon as rumours gather pace that players from Russia and Belarus will be allowed to compete at this year's event in London.
Daniil Medvedev has once again called "for peace" in Ukraine as rumours continue to swirl over the possible participation of Russian and Belarusian players at this year's Wimbledon.
"I've said it so many times, I'm not going to say anything new. I'm for peace," Medvedev told reporters at Indian Wells.
Andy Murray told the BBC on Wednesday that it was his "understanding" that players from Russia and Belarus would be allowed to compete at Wimbledon in 2023, after being banned from participating at last year's event in the wake of the conflict in Ukraine.
And Medvedev said he was "not going to make this decision for them or even help them make this decision. They have to make it by themselves for their different reasons like they did last year."
Wimbledon was the only Grand Slam last year to refuse players from Russia and its ally Belarus, and tournament officials are expected to announce their policy for this year's event soon.
Do you think Wimbledon should allow Russians and Belarusians to play?
Yes
No
"I always said I will respect this decision. I play where I can play... tennis is my job so I would be really happy to play Wimbledon. I absolutely love that tournament, but if it's not meant to be, I'm going to wait for the opportunity to be back there."
Australian Open champion and world number two Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus echoed Medvedev's sentiments, saying the decision was out of her control but acknowledged being banned last year took its toll.
"The reaction of people, some different things made me feel really bad... that this is my fault," she said.
"But then I realized that this is not under my control. I did nothing, nothing bad against Ukrainian people. This is just not my fault."
Wimbledon was stripped of its ranking points and the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) fined for banning Russian and Belarusian players from the tournament at SW19, as well as the ATP Tour events at Queen's Club, Eastbourne, Surbiton, Nottingham and Ilkley.
Comments