“That’s One of the Goals”: Daniil Medvedev Working Towards Propagation of Tennis in Russia

Current World Number 2 Daniil Medvedev has said that his recent run of success, along with that of compatriot Andrey Rublev, shows the emergence of Russian tennis.

Speaking to the press after launching his Miami Open campaign with a thumping win over Lu Yen-hsun of Taiwan, Medvedev said Russian tennis is clearly on the rise and the media needs to take note of it.

Daniil Medvedev says his success and that of compatriot Andrey Rublev shows Russian tennis is on the rise

Daniil added that as much as his and Rublev’s success is down to their individual effort and skills, it also reflects the success of the system that they came out of.

“I think it’s great for both of us that we’re doing so good. Russian tennis is definitely on the rise right now, and I like it,” the losing finalist at this year’s Australian Open said.

He said he wanted the media to show how products come out of the Russian tennis system.

The Russian added that he also wants the global television audience to know tennis is followed and played back home.

“We want people to talk more about tennis in Russia. We want TV to show more tennis in Russia. That’s one of the goals,” Medvedev said.

Daniil Medvedev says he would like to leverage his success to promote tennis in Russia

While he and Rublev, the current World Number 8, are arguably the most accomplished names in Russian tennis at the minute, the system has also churned out the likes of Karen Khachanov and Aslan Karatsev.

Karatsev was a name not known to many just a few months ago, but he has been on a phenomenal run this year, having played a dream semi-final at the Australian Open against eventual champion Novak Djokovic after entering the tournament as a qualifier.

He followed up his incredible Melbourne Park campaign with his maiden Tour title in Dubai.

The second player after Rublev to notch up 15 Tour wins this calendar year already, Medvedev said he would like to leverage his success to promote tennis in his homeland.

“I think when you start to be good you want to promote your sport in your country,” the Russian said.

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He also added that he would go over his schedule and “maybe, play a little less tournaments” than he has to date.