Kremlin Cup and St. Petersburg Open, two consecutive major tennis tournaments held in Russia, have just ended. Daniil Medvedev, the best Russian player and current world #2 player decided not to take part in any of them. The reason voiced by Daniil himself: I felt that I could not play 100%.
At first, everything went well for the Russian audience: Daniil signed a contract to perform in Moscow and in Indian Wells he lost at an early stage and, thus, got a few days to rest. But a few days before the start of the Kremlin Cup – the decision not to come. I do not presume to judge the physical condition of the tennis player, but Medvedev will perform at the starting Masters in Paris.
Daniel, it is clear that the tournaments held in Russia are not the most prestigious and not the most profitable. It is clear that at stake is a possible title of the first racket of the world. But they are held in your home country, among your most dedicated fans who are eager to see you in action live.
Think Maria Sharapova. I don’t have warm feelings for her. I am sure, as are tens of thousands of other tennis fans. Precisely because she, as a rule, put her personal interests above the interests of Russian fans and her country. Maria almost always ignored tennis tournaments in Russia, as well as participation in the Federation Cup. How do you want to be remembered by your compatriots?
I hope we will see you at the next Kremlin Cup. I’m sure your fans will be happy to watch you play even if you’re only 90% ready.
Addendum in early December. Daniil Medvedev as a member of the Russian national team took part in the Davis Cup, and thanks to Daniil’s efforts, our team won this honorary trophy, only for the third time in its history and the first time since 2006. Daniil, thank you! And now I have questions for those responsible for broadcasting sports competitions. Why was the final of such a prestigious tournament in which our team played not broadcast on any of the federal sports channels???