Daniil Medvedev admitted he “loves” Wimbledon as a tournament and would be prepared to play if the ban on Russian players is reversed. Medvedev has been off the circuit since the Miami Open following hernia surgery, but is set to feature in this week’s Geneva Open as he seeks match practice ahead of Roland-Garros.
Daniil Medvedev was non-committal when asked his opinion on Wimbledon’s ban on Russian players as he prepares to return to tour action this week.
The Moscow-born 26-year-old has been out of action since the end of March with a hernia problem, but is preparing to make his comeback at the Geneva Open this week.
Unsurprisingly, in his first conversation back with reporters, the US Open champion was asked his thoughts on the All England Club’s decision that was made during his absence.
Daniil Medvedev said: “There has been a lot of talk around it. I just tried to follow what’s happening because I don’t have any decisions to make.
“It’s right now about Wimbledon itself, the ATP, maybe the British government is involved.
“It’s a tricky situation and like every situation in life, you ask 100 players, everybody’s going to give a different opinion.
“[If] I can play: I’m going to be happy to play in Wimbledon. I love this tournament.
“[If] I cannot play: well, I’m going to try to play other tournaments and prepare well for next year if I have the chance to play.”
Many of the world’s top players have publicly opposed the ban, including both Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. Medvedev says only now is he getting the chance to speak to some of his fellow pros about the potential next steps.
“Since I haven’t been on the tour, I haven’t talked to any of them face to face,” the Russian said.
“It was the first time when I came here [Geneva] on Saturday when I can talk to players, and if they start talking about this, we can discuss.
“Same about Wimbledon. I don’t know if this decision is 100 per cent, and it’s over.”
On the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Medvedev said he had been closer to events given his downtime.
“I was working hard on my rehab so I had some time to follow what’s happening, and it’s where it’s at,” he said.
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