Medvedev says no plan to renounce Russian nationality amid war

Grand Slam champion Daniil Medvedev said Wednesday he had no plans to follow a host of fellow Russian players and switch his nationality amid the war in Ukraine.

Since Moscow’s invasion in February 2022, a number of Russian players have distanced themselves from their homeland.

Former world number eight Daria Kasatkina, now ranked 43, changed allegiance to Australia last March having criticised Russia’s attitude towards LGBTQ people.

She also described the conflict as a “nightmare”.

More recently, Anastasia Potapova announced that her application for Austrian citizenship had been accepted.

But Medvedev, the 2021 US Open winner and Russia’s highest-profile player, said he would not be following suit.

“I 100 percent understand and respect, because, you know, that’s something you can do basically, especially in sports,” he said at the Australian Open.

“It’s even maybe a bit easier than for other people.

“I never really considered this,” added the 29-year-old, who was born in Moscow but lives in Monte Carlo.

“Because I believe in where you are born is important.

“But again, a lot of players change, and I’m friends with them. I’m friends with a lot of players in the locker room, so it’s their choice.”

Russian and Belarusian players currently compete under a neutral white flag.

Along with Kasatkina and Potapova, Russian-born Kamilla Rakhimova has switched allegiance to Ukbekistan, as has Maria Timofeeva.