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Russian tennis player Daniil Medvedev attends a press conference at the ATP Adelaide International tournament in Adelaide on January 1, 2023. (Photo by Brenton EDWARDS/AFP)
Daniil Medvedev on Sunday admitted he would rather play in United’s mixed Cup team than Adelaide International, but the Russian aims to make the most of his season opener.
The Monte Carlo-based world number seven and her teammates were unable to compete in the ATP-WTA United Cup in response to the invasion of Ukraine.
Medvedev said it was disappointing, but there was nothing he could do.
“I would definitely prefer to play in the United Cup,” said Adelaide’s third seed behind Novak Djokovic and Felix Auger-Aliassime.
“We will definitely be good favourites. But it is what it is, and I’m happy to be in Adelaide playing in this tournament.
“I understand why we don’t play the Davis Cup or the United Cup and the competition of teams that will represent our country.
“Hopefully, I can play in individual events. I play what I can play, so here I can play Adelaide, and I’m very happy. I want to show the best tennis.”
Medvedev, a finalist at the last two Australian Open, will start against Italian Lorenzo Sonego.
The world crisis aside, the former world number one said he was dealing with the usual start of the year jitters.
“I think everyone is a little nervous, and that’s normal. The feeling of the first tournament of the year is special,” he said.
“I’d love to play in Australia, so I’m looking forward to it”
Since beating Djokovic for the 2021 US Open title, Medvedev has been beaten three times by the Serb, who returned to Australia after being deported a year ago for trying to enter without a COVID vaccination exemption.
With the rules now relaxed, the 35-year-old competes in Adelaide and is free to pursue his 10th title at Melbourne Park this month.
“I’m motivated to be in the (Adelaide) semis – and if Novak is there, it’s great,” Medvedev said.
“If it’s someone else who beats them, I don’t care. I just want to get to the semi-finals to begin with, and I don’t care who I play.
Medvedev, winner of two titles last season, half-heartedly endorsed Nick Kyrgios’ withdrawal from the United Cup, with the controversial Australian injured.
“You don’t know if he’s really injured,” Medvedev said.
“He had problems with his body before, so if he wants to keep his body before the Australian Open, that’s normal.
“If I (play) the United Cup and I get injured before the tournament, I will withdraw.
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