Daniil Medvedev launches charm offensive by saying he’s ‘always loved Wimbledon’ and has ‘a good relationship with London’ as Russian players return to SW19 after last year’s ban
- Russian and Belarusian players were banned last year following Ukraine invasion
- They will return for the latest edition with Medvedev seeded No 3 in the draw
- He hopes for understanding from the crowd despite playing Brit Arthur Fery first
Russia’s Daniil Medvedev insists he has a ‘good relationship with London’ as he makes his Wimbledon return after being banned last year.
Former World No 1 and US Open champion Medvedev was the highest-profile casualty of the tournament’s decision to exclude Russian and Belarusian players following the invasion of Ukraine.
Medvedev accepted the decision without rancour and hopes his diplomatic response will help him gain understanding from the Wimbledon crowds, even though he faces Brit Arthur Fery in the first round.
‘I really missed playing Wimbledon. I’ve always loved it. The first time I came I thought it was the best tournament in the world. Every flower was in place and I was so nervous and excited,’ he said.
‘Every time I come back, I feel really special. I was disappointed not to be able to play last year. I couldn’t play, I followed the rules and spent time with my family.
Daniil Medvedev is delighted to be back at Wimbledon after last year’s ban on Russian players
The former world No 1 was able to practice on court in the build-up to the tournament
Speaking on Saturday, Medvedev said he had a ‘good relationship with London’
‘But it doesn’t give me extra motivation for this year — that comes from Wimbledon being my worst Slam in terms of results.’
The 27-year-old third seed has never been beyond the fourth round and while unsure about the response from home supporters, he is on a charm offensive to win them over.
‘I don’t know how it will work with the fans. I don’t know how will they feel. When I go out in London and see people, I feel like we are in a good relationship.
‘Sometimes I can get angry on court and lose the crowd, sometimes I can win them. Let’s see how it goes. The only thing is I love this tournament. There is no better place. Let’s see if they hear these words.’
Earlier, Belarusian player Aryna Sabalenka said she wouldn’t answer questions about Ukraine having also been prohibited from last year’s Wimbledon.
Medvedev was happy to be slightly more forthright and diplomatically trod the line between understanding Wimbledon’s anti-war stance whilst not condemning Vladimir Putin or the regime in his homeland.
‘I have always said I don’t like to force others to say anything, if someone doesn’t want to raise an issue. I always said the same, I am for peace. Not much more than that.’
Aryna Sabalenka, from Belarus, is also back in action at Wimbledon this week after the ban