Russian players like Daniil Medvedev have been under flames for quite some time now. Because of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, professionals often get caught in questions regarding their nation’s behavior. However, with tennis, such queries slowly started to fade. Though the recent Brittney Griner case has brought new ignition to the matter.
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Media is adamant to pull statements out of Russian players and the World No.1 became the first target. Medvedev, while speaking to the press post his first-round victory, addressed the issue and gave a witty analogy.
Daniil Medvedev shares his views on Griner’s case
In the US Open press conference, Medvedev stumbled upon a question demanding his take on American basket-baller Brittney Griner’s imprisonment in Russia. To which he replied, “I heard about this. But I don’t know the exact full details. I do think it’s quite comparable to other situations, like let’s talk about Novak.”
“He couldn’t come in the country for whatever reason, different laws. We can say, does this law make sense? Because Americans can come back without the vaccine. Novak cannot come here and he doesn’t want to live in USA. He wants to just play the tennis tournament. So it’s the same.”
Djokovic received a ban from the US Open because of his vaccination status. Though many like Martina Navratilova find the reasoning behind the decision justified. Players such as Medvedev and veteran John McEnroe believe it’s sheer hypocrisy from America’s end.
Thereafter, centering back to the matter, he added, “I don’t know the exact situation, but I think if she really had. A law is a law. But I don’t know what it was and how it happened, so I have nothing more to say.”
Read more: VIDEO: Security Stops Heated Situation Between Daniil Medvedev and Fans After ‘Loser’ Chants
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The WNBA player was arrested in February on the accusation of smuggling vape cartridges with cannabis oil. The results of the trail came out in August and didn’t ease her situation. Rather, it increased her misery multifold and became a topic of political debate. The 31-year-old received a term of nine years for possessing narcotics and a fine of 1 million rubles. That is 16,301 dollars.
Medvedev in the US Open
After having to skip the Wimbledon Championships, the Russian made a comeback in the American swing. The 26-year-old riding high on Los Cabos Open victory and Cincinnati Masters’ semifinals run’s spirit has entered the US Open.
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Watch this story: Daniil Medvedev channeled Novak Djokovic to advance his way to semi-finals at the Australian Open 2022
On Monday, the defending champion gave a kick start to the tournament by winning the opening round in straight sets of 6-2 6-4 6-0. Now that he has survived the round that took down players such as Stefanos Tsitsipas and Taylor Fritz, he with confidence will meet Arthur Rinderknech in the next round. Medvedev will lock horns with the World No.58 on 31st August.