Daniil Medvedev said on Wednesday it was “great news” that Russian and Belarusian players can compete in this year’s US Open, where he will defend the title. The world number one will be forced to sit out Wimbledon after the grass track Grand Slam event banned him and his compatriots and Belarusians over the invasion of Ukraine. But on Tuesday, US Open organizers announced that players from the two countries would be able to play at Flushing Meadows, under neutral flags.
Wimbledon starts on June 27 and the US Open starts on August 29.
“It’s great news,” Medvedev said after winning his opening match at the Halle grass court tournament 6-3, 6-2 against David Goffin.
“I’ve always said that I will follow the rules and play where I can. I just want to show my best tennis.
“I’m happy to be able to defend my title. I have great memories of last year.
“That was one of the most special tournaments for me.”
Medvedev won his first major title last September with a win over Novak Djokovic in the US Open final, denying the Serb a Grand Slam on the calendar.
The 26-year-old said he will try to play as much as possible while Wimbledon is being held.
“Next week I will definitely play against Mallorca, I want to defend that title,” said Medvedev, who lost to Tim van Rijthoven in the final of ‘s-Hertogenbosch last weekend.
“Without Wimbledon I don’t have to spare my body and I can play three tournaments in a row.
“I will stay in Mallorca for a few more days and then return to the south of France to train for the hard courts.
“Maybe I’ll add another tournament to my list, but I’m not sure yet.”
Medvedev has a poor record at Wimbledon, with a run to the fourth round last year being his best performance in four appearances.
“Grass is a very tough surface physically,” he said. “Wimbledon is always in the back of your mind. Right now it’s easier for me to just have this tournament that matters.”
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Medvedev will play against Belarusian Ilya Ivashka in the second round of Halle on Thursday.
(This story was not edited by DailyExpertNews staff and was generated automatically from a syndicated feed.)
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