On the professional front, it was a perfect day for Russian Tennis star Daniil Medvedev as he became the no.1 ranked player in men’s tennis, dethroning Novak Djokovic. However, Medvedev was not truly happy because of reasons outside the tennis court as Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24.
After beating Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka 6-2, 6-3 in the ongoing Mexican Open and becoming 27th player to become no.1 in the ATP, Medvedev said, “Watching the news from home, waking up here in Mexico, was not easy,”.
“By being a tennis player, I want to promote peace all over the world. We play in so many different countries; I've been in so many countries as a junior and as a pro. It's just not easy to hear all this news... I'm all for peace.” The 26-year-old added.
Medvedev also mentioned the most recent instance where tennis player from Russia and Ukraine -- Andrey Rublev and Denys Molchanov – teamed up to win doubles title in Marseille Open last week.
“This was amazing, because people need to stay together. In these moments, you understand that tennis sometimes is not that important... It was not easy to play and I'm happy that I managed to win the match, but it was bit of a roller-coaster day for me,” Medvedev said after setting up a rematch with Rafael Nadal in the semi-final.
Medvedev was ecstatic to reach the top spot. Also, he will have a chance to avenge his defeat in the Australian Open to Nadal. The Russian lost to the Spaniard in a game that went right down to the wire.
"It was my goal since I was young. Always playing against the Big Three or Big Four, it´s an honor, and a great challenge. In Australia (against Nadal), I could have won, but the result in the end was that I lost," Medvedev said ahead of the tough challenge he will face on February 26 (Saturday).
