"I want to promote my sport" - Medvedev underlines objectives after Russian flag removal

Russia’s world No. 1 Daniil Medvedev said he is unsure whether he will be allowed to play down the road but for him, it's only about playing tennis and promoting the sport.

The ATP and WTA condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in a joint statement last week, banning Russian athletes from team events and ruling that individuals can compete on the tour but not under the name of their flag or country. Medvedev, who is due to play at Indian Wells, the first Masters event of the year was forced to remove his country's flag from his Instagram account.

Asked about it again he said:

"It's always tough to talk on this subject because I want to play tennis; play in different countries. I want to promote my sport, I want to promote what I'm doing in my country for sure, and right now the situation is that that is the only way I can play."

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He also expressed that he doesn't know if he will end up getting banned from tennis altogether:

"We never know - some sports made this decision, especially I would think the team sports. Tennis is probably one of the most individual sports we have in the world. Everyone's living in so many different places.”

For now it seems like tennis players will be allowed to compete but things could change quickly at any moment. It would be a huge blow for Medvedev whose most significant achievment as an athlete was overshadowed by actions of his country.