"I'm glad to be back, it's one of the most beautiful cities": Daniil Medvedev explains decision to play St. Petersburg exhibition

Daniil Medvedev has spoken publicly about his decision to take part in the upcoming Northern Palmyra Trophies, an exhibition event scheduled in St Petersburg and financed by state-owned energy company Gazprom. The tournament features both male and female players, primarily from Russia and Kazakhstan.

Standing out among them is Daniil Medvedev, arguably the most high-profile name in the field. Joining him on the men's side are Alexander Bublik, Karen Khachanov, and Tallon Griekspoor, while the women will be represented by locals Veronika Kudermetova, Diana Shnaider, and Anastasia Potapova, alongside Kazakhstan's Yulia Putintseva.

The Russian former World No. 1 acknowledged the unusual context around the tournament but insisted his participation is motivated purely by tennis and the opportunity to compete again in a city where he has not played since 2020. “There are many reasons. I haven't been to St. Petersburg in a long time, since 2020. I'm glad to be back – it's one of the most beautiful cities, if not the most beautiful,” he said to Match TV, according to Sportskeeda.

The event is set to feature several top-level players from Russia and Kazakhstan, in addition to Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor, who also appears on the entry list. Medvedev’s comments come amid renewed scrutiny of the exhibition, which has been held annually despite international concerns surrounding its organisers. The world No. 4 stressed that his preparation has been no different from an official tournament. “I'll try to play my best, despite the tournament's status,” he stated, highlighting his competitive motivation.

Medvedev also referenced the personal challenge of facing opponents who defeated him earlier in the season, particularly Griekspoor and World No. 11 Alexander Bublik. Although the matches will not count toward ATP rankings, the Russian insisted he will enter the contest with full intensity. “I prepared for it as if it were a Grand Slam, especially for the singles matches against Griekspoor and Bublik, as I lost to them this year,” the 2021 US Open champion said. “Yes, we'll play unofficially, but I'll try to beat them,” he said. “I hope to play good tennis and for the crowd to enjoy it.”

While the Northern Palmyra Trophies is not sanctioned by the ATP, it has been framed locally as a way to maintain high-level tennis activity in Russia after official events in the country were suspended. For Medvedev, returning to compete at home—though in an unofficial setting—adds a personal layer to the decision, one he believes fans will appreciate.

The tournament has drawn international criticism due to its sponsor and its public positioning. Authorities from several tennis federations, including Tennis Australia, have previously advised players against participating in events financed by companies subject to political scrutiny. However, because the exhibition is not an ATP or WTA competition, governing bodies cannot impose sanctions or restrictions on those who choose to compete.

Unlike ATP or WTA events, the exhibition is organised independently and does not award ranking points, meaning its sporting value lies primarily in entertainment and local visibility. Still, the involvement of state-linked institutions has placed players' decisions under the microscope. Medvedev avoided addressing political aspects directly, focusing strictly on the sporting element.

For many athletes involved, the event fills the competitive void left since official tournaments in the country were halted. Organisers have marketed it as an attempt to keep tennis present in the region and preserve local fan engagement. Medvedev’s presence, as the highest-profile player in the field, ensures big attention for the 2025 edition.