‘Tennis Sometimes Not Important’ - Daniil Medvedev Secures No.1 Spot On Day His Country Invaded Ukraine - UBITENNIS

‘Tennis Sometimes Not Important’ – Daniil Medvedev Secures No.1 Spot On Day His Country Invaded Ukraine

The new No.1 reflects on what was a roller-coaster day for him on Thursday.

By Adam Addicott
4 Min Read
Daniil Medvedev hits a forehand during a Men's Singles match at the 2021 US Open, Tuesday, Sep. 7, 2021 in Flushing, NY. (Garrett Ellwood/USTA)

Daniil Medvedev says confirmation of him becoming the world No.1 has left him with mixed feelings in the wake of his country’s military attack on Ukraine.

The Russian is guaranteed a place at the top of the rankings on Monday following Novak Djokovic’s shock loss to Jiri Vesely in the second round of the Dubai Tennis Championships. Medvedev will become only the third man from his country to do so and the first since Marat Sfain back in 2000. On Monday he will also become the first player outside of the Big Four (including Andy Murray) to be No.1 since Andy Roddick 18 years ago.

“Novak’s match, I saw that he was losing, but I didn’t know that if he loses I’m gonna become number one. I thought I have to do something big here,” Medvedev said following his second round win over Yoshihito Nishioka at the Mexican Open.
“So then when I was receiving all the messages, well I understood that, yeah OK, it’s gonna happen.”

Although there are somewhat muted celebrations occurring at present for the 26-year-old due to the situation in Eastern Europe. Roughly 12 hours before one of his career dreams became a reality, Medvedev’s home country of Russia launched a military operation against Ukraine which has already claimed many lives on both sides. The action has promoted worldwide condemnation and crisis talks. Meanwhile, the International Tennis Federation has confirmed to Ubitennis that they are closely monitoring the situation with a series of events set to be held in the region over the coming weeks.

Reacting to the conflict, Medvedev has stated that he wants to ‘promote peace all over the world’ and watching events unfold has been difficult for him.

Watching the news from home, waking up here in Mexico, was not easy,” he said.
“By being a tennis player, I want to promote peace all over the world. We play in so many different countries; I’ve been in so many countries as a junior and as a pro. It’s just not easy to hear all this news. … I’m all for peace.”
“In these moments, you understand that tennis sometimes is not that important. It was not easy to play and I’m happy that I managed to win the match, but it was bit of a roller-coaster day for me.”

Across the globe, one of Medvedev’s Davis Cup teammates echoed similar comments whilst speaking to reporters in Dubai. Andrey Rublev is Russia’s second-highest ranked player on the ATP Tour at seventh in the world.

You realise how important (it) is to have peace in the world and to respect each other no matter what, to be united. It’s about that. We should take care of our earth and of each other. This is the most important thing.” He commented on the situation.

Last week in Marseille Rublev won the doubles title along with Ukrainian player Denys Molchanov. Following their victory, he told reporters ‘sport is an activity that brings people together, even if they are each cheering on their team or their player.’ Meanwhile, Medvedev has hailed their partnership.

“This was amazing because I think people need to stay together and that’s the most important,” he said.

The ATP has confirmed that a Challenger tournament set to be played in Moscow next week has been suspended due to safety concerns for the players.

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