Russian tennis star Daniil Medvedev says he respects players who switch nationality but will not renounce his own, citing his birthplace.
MELBOURNE: Russian tennis star Daniil Medvedev says he has no plans to change his nationality, despite several compatriots doing so since the war in Ukraine began.
The 2021 US Open champion made the comments at the Australian Open, stating he “100 percent” respects the choice of others.
“I never really considered this,” said the 29-year-old, who was born in Moscow.
“Because I believe in where you are born is important.”
Since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, a number of players have distanced themselves from their homeland.
Former world number eight Daria Kasatkina 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.
Russian-born Kamilla Rakhimova and Maria Timofeeva have also switched allegiance to Uzbekistan.
Medvedev, Russia’s highest-profile player, said the choice for athletes to switch was understandable.
“It’s even maybe a bit easier than for other people,” he added.
The world number four, who lives in Monte Carlo, remains friends with those who have changed nationality.
“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 at international tournaments.
