Daniil Medvedev reveals he is ‘more likely’ to play in United Cup after Russian players banned

Russian tennis player Daniil Medvedev said he was disappointed that he could not play in the ATP-WTA United Cup.

Instead, the world No.7 will take part in the Adelaide International as he prepares for January’s Australian Open, the first Grand Slam event of the season.

Russian players will not be allowed to participate in the team event because their country has been banned from international tournaments as part of the response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Last year, Russians and Belarusians were not allowed to participate in Wimbledon’s Grand Slam seasons.

Speaking to the press at an event in Adelaide, he admitted it was his second choice, but he hoped to make the most of his opportunity.

“I would definitely like to play in the United Cup,” he said.

“We’d definitely be favourites. But it is what it is and I’m delighted to be here in Adelaide playing in this tournament.

“I completely understand why we don’t play Davis Cup or United Cup and team competitions where we would represent our country.

“Hopefully I can play in individual events. I play what I can play, so here I can play Adelaide and I’m really happy about that. I want to show my best tennis.”

Novak Djokovic and Felix Auger-Aliassime will also compete in Adelaide, while Medvedev – a finalist at the last two Australian Opens – will play his first match against Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego.

Medvedev also revealed that the first tournament of the season is always a nervous event.

“I feel like everyone is a little bit nervous and that’s normal. This feeling for the first tournament of the year is really special,” he said.

“I like playing in Australia so I’m really looking forward to it.”

He was also delighted to welcome Djokovic back to Australian tennis after his absence for the previous two years due to the coronavirus. The Serbian former world number one has missed much of the past two years after failing to provide evidence that he has been vaccinated against the coronavirus and was deported from Australia last year in dramatic circumstances.

“I’m motivated to be in the semis (in Adelaide) – and if it’s Novak there, that’s great,” Medvedev added.

“If someone else beats him, I don’t care much. I just want to be in the semifinals to start with, and I don’t care who I play.”

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