True To Flag! Russia Tennis Posterboy Daniil Medvedev Reiterates Allegiance: 'Where You're Born Is Significant'!

Last Updated:January 21, 2026, 14:42 IST

Numerous Russian players have distanced themselves from their home country since Moscow's invasion in 2022, but Medvedev stated that he had no intention of changing his nationality

Daniil Medvedev. (Credit: AP)

Daniil Medvedev stated that he had no intention of changing his nationality, unlike several other Russian players, amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Numerous Russian players have distanced themselves from their home country since Moscow’s invasion in 2022, but Medvedev stated that he had no intention of changing his nationality.

“I completely understand and respect their decisions because, you know, it’s something you can do, especially in sports," he said.

“It’s perhaps even a bit easier than for other people. I never really considered this," added the 29-year-old, who was born in Moscow but resides in Monte Carlo.

“I believe that where you are born is significant. But again, many players change, and I am friends with them. I am friends with many players in the locker room, so it’s their choice."

Currently, Russian and Belarusian players compete under a neutral white flag. Daria Kasatkina, formerly ranked world number eight and now ranked 43, switched her allegiance to Australia last March after criticising Russia’s stance on LGBTQ issues. She described the conflict as a “nightmare".

Recently, Anastasia Potapova announced that her application for Austrian citizenship had been approved. In addition to Kasatkina and Potapova, Russian-born Kamilla Rakhimova has switched allegiance to Uzbekistan, as has Maria Timofeeva.

News sports tennis True To Flag! Russia Tennis Posterboy Daniil Medvedev Reiterates Allegiance: 'Where You're Born Is Significant'!

Read More