Medvedev says ready to play as neutral athlete at Paris Olympics
Medvedev says ready to play as neutral athlete at Paris Olympics
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INDIAN WELLS, California—After the sport's governing body made its announcement on players from Russia and Belarus on Wednesday, world number four Daniil Medvedev expressed his excitement about competing in the Olympics in Paris and his intention to abide by the rules as a neutral athlete.
The two nations' athletes may compete at the Paris Games as neutrals, devoid of flags, insignia, or national anthems, according to the International Tennis Federation (ITF).
Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022—for which Belarus served as a staging ground—Russians and Belarusians were prohibited from participating in international competitions.
Nonetheless, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) released a set of guidelines in March of last year urging international sports federations to permit participants from these nations to return.
Speaking ahead of his Friday Indian Wells debut, Russian player Mikhail Medvedev expressed his excitement about competing in the Olympics, citing his good showing in Tokyo three years prior, where he advanced to the singles semifinals.
"I will try to make it there. I'll play both singles and doubles," Medvedev declared to the press.
"My trip to Tokyo was an incredible experience. I was startled (by) the fact that it was probably one of my best sporting memories since, in tennis, we usually consider that Grand Slams are more significant.
"I'll abide by the regulations of the neutral flag. I'll play under a neutral flag and attempt to compete there if that's the case. Play well and definitely aim to win."
Players from Belarus and Russia already participate as neutrals on the ATP and WTA tournaments.
The Olympic tennis competition gets underway on July 27.
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