"They're carrying a heavy burden" - Chris Evert on Russian and Ukranian players playing during the conflict

Daniil Medvedev and the other Russian, Ukrainian and Belarusian players on the ATP and WTA Tours are being weighed down by the ongoing conflict in Europe, according to tennis great Chris Evert.

Players on both Tours are not allowed to compete under the Russian flag or name following the invasion of Ukraine in February with a directive stating they can only compete as individuals. The majority of tennis players have called for peace while men’s world No 1 Medvedev has admitted he is relieved still be playing tennis after several sports banned Russian players from competing.

For Evert, it's clear that they are carrying a heavy burden:

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“I feel for any of the players who have come from that part of the world and who have family and roots, whether it’s in Russia or Ukraine or Belarus. It’s got to be a big burden for these players to carry around while they’re trying to compete. In order to compete at the highest level, you usually have to be focused on your tennis, and this isn’t the case. So, we have to have some understanding if these players don’t exactly do as well as they’re used to, that there’s just so many more important things going on in their life than a tennis match.”

Speaking on Medvedev, Evert said he does deserve to be number one:

“I think Medvedev, with his record, does deserve to be No 1. He is a champion. He’s grown into being comfortable with big wins on big stages. And his game has really developed and it’s hard to find any weaknesses in him.”