Grand Slam champion Daniil Medvedev stated on Wednesday that he has no intention of changing his nationality, setting himself apart from an increasing number of Russian tennis players who have made that decision in recent years.

Following the large-scale invasion in February 2022, numerous Russian athletes in the professional tennis scene have sought to cut official ties with their native country.

Daria Kasatkina, a former world No. 8 now ranked 43rd, switched her allegiance to Australia last March after criticizing Russia’s stance on LGBTQ+ rights. She also referred to the ongoing conflict as a “nightmare.”

Most recently, tennis player Anastasia Potapova revealed that her application for Austrian citizenship has been granted.

In contrast, Medvedev made it clear that he does not plan to take a similar route.

“I completely understand and respect those decisions, because, you know, that’s an option for athletes, especially in our field,” he remarked during the Australian Open. “It might even be somewhat easier than for others.”

“I never really thought about it,” explained Medvedev, 29, who was born in Moscow and now resides in Monte Carlo. “I think the place of your birth holds significance.

“However, I acknowledge that many players change their citizenship, and I maintain friendships with them. I have relationships with numerous players in the locker room, so ultimately, it’s their personal choice,” he added.

Currently, Russian and Belarusian tennis players participate in international events under a neutral white flag.

In addition to Kasatkina and Potapova, other Russian-born players such as Kamilla Rakhimova and Maria Timofeeva have also shifted their national allegiance, now representing Uzbekistan.