Tennis star Daniil Medvedev takes over as world number one after ITF announces ban on Russian and Belarusian federations

Sports News / By Ashley Cornell, email: [email protected] / March 2, 2022

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Only one day after Russian tennis Star Daniil Medvedev has officially taken over as the world’s top ten, with the International Tennis Federation (ITF) announcing on Tuesday that the Russian Tennis Federation and the Belarusian Tennis Federation will be suspended indefinitely from international events following widespread attacks on Ukraine.

The ITF has joined a number of international governing bodies that have imposed sports sanctions on both countries, canceling all ITF events to be held in both countries and banning these athletes from participating under the name or flag of Russia or Belarus.

RUSSIAN TENNIS PLAYERS DANIEL MEDVEDEV, ANDREI RUBLEV CALL FOR PEACE IN THE MIDDLE OF ATTACKS AGAINST UKRAINE

“The International Tennis Federation (ITF) condemns Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and its facilitation by Belarus,” statement Read. “In addition to canceling all ITF events in these countries, the ITF board today announced the immediate suspension of the Russian Tennis Federation (RTF) and the Belarusian Tennis Federation (BTF) from ITF membership and participation in ITF international team competitions until – further notice. “

Flags of Russia and Belarus are waving during a wreath-laying ceremony in front of the Victory Monument. (Ramil Nasibulin TASS via Getty Images)

He continued: “The ITF remains in close contact with the Tennis Federation of Ukraine and is in solidarity with the people of Ukraine.

The Tennis Professionals’ Association (ATP), in which Medvedev holds his ranking, and the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) followed suit, adding that “the safety of the tennis community is our most immediate collective priority.”

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“A deep sense of suffering, shock and sadness is being felt throughout the tennis community since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last week.” joint statement Read. “Our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine, and we congratulate the many tennis players who have spoken out and taken action against this unacceptable act of aggression. We reiterate their calls for an end to the violence and a return to peace.”

The ATP and WTA have announced that in addition to adhering to the latest ITF policy, a combined event scheduled to take place in Moscow in October has been canceled.

Daniil Medvedev of Russia celebrates after defeating Felix Auger-Aliasime of Canada at the Australian Open in Melbourne on January 27, 2022. (AP Photo / Hamish Blair)

“Currently, players from Russia and Belarus will continue to have the right to compete in international tennis events on the Tour and Grand Slam tournaments. However, they will not compete under the name or the flag of Russia or Belarus until otherwise ordered, “the statement continued.

Medvedev, a 26-year-old from Russia who won last year’s US Open and was a runner-up at this year’s Australian Open, became world number one, becoming the first player except Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal or Andy Murray to reach number one. 1 of February 2004

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On Monday he tweets that such “honor” comes with “mixed emotions” after Russia’s attacks on Ukraine.

Russia’s Daniil Medvedev returns to Spain’s Rafael Nadal at the Mexican Open in Acapulco on Friday, February 25, 2022. (AP Photo / Eduardo Verdugo)

“It is a great honor for me to take this place. I am sure that everyone can understand that this is coming with mixed emotions, that this is happening this week,” Medvedev wrote. “Thanks to my wife, the team, the sponsors, the friends and everyone who helped along the way. It’s a long journey and I’m looking forward to the next few years. ”

Medvedev had previously called for peace over the weekend, saying “it is not easy to hear all this news”.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.