Medvedev talks Russia Davis Cup ban as Rublev explains peace message

Daniil Medvedev was asked about Russia’s ban in team tennis after Andrey Rublev’s peace message (Image: Getty / Tennis TV)Daniil Medvedev has given his thoughts on Russia’s ban from the upcoming Davis Cup and the new United Cup, with the reigning champions of the tournament dubbed the ‘World Cup of men’s tennis’ unable to try and defend their crown later this month. It comes after compatriot Andrey Rublev called for ‘peace’ after beating Medvedev at the ATP Finals on Monday as the world No 7 later explained his decision to share the message.Medvedev and Rublev played the first ATP Finals match between two men from the same country since 2015 as they faced off in the round-robin stage on Monday with the younger Russian getting just his second win over the world No 5 6-7(7) 6-3 7-6(7). Following the match, Rublev wrote ‘peace peace peace all we need’ on the camera, addressing the war in Ukraine.The 25-year-old has since explained his message while Medvedev discussed the sanctions Russian players were facing in response to the war in Ukraine, as he and the 12-time title winner will be unable to compete in the upcoming Davis Cup Finals after Russia and Belarus were banned from all team events back in March.Asked whether Russia’s ban was ‘less important’ now than it was five months ago, the 2021 US Open champion said: ‘Depends what we talk about. Some things stay important, for sure. Some things are less important.’ While Medvedev could understand Russia’s ban from team nation tournaments, he revived the Wimbledon row as he hinted that he still didn’t agree with the All England Club’s decision to bar all competitors from Russia and Belarus.JUST IN: Novak Djokovic refuses to name himself ATP Finals ‘favourite’ Reigning Davis Cup champions Russia were banned earlier this year following the war in Ukraine (Image: Getty)’If we talk about Davis Cup and United Cup also where we cannot play, I was expecting this decision. If we talk about Wimbledon, would think could have been different,’ he continued. But Medvedev was focusing on his tennis instead of engaging in the debate, adding: ‘Yeah, I think life is already a tough thing and you have to focus a lot on yourself also.’The world No 5’s words came after Rublev wrote a poignant message on the camera lens after celebrating just his second career win over his countryman. ‘Peace peace peace all we need,’ the 25-year-old penned in what was yet another stand against his country’s invasion of Ukraine after he famously wrote ‘no war please’ on the camera at the Dubai Championships back in February.Rublev has now explained his decision to write his plea for peace, admitting that it came naturally to him after the match. ‘Not much to say. I think I did already many statements this year,’ he said. ‘I don’t know, I had opportunity. I don’t know, I did what I feel. I didn’t even had idea or something in my head before. Just come natural, that’s it. I think it’s important, especially in our time, like I was saying many times, to have a peace.DON’T MISSDjokovic defeats Tsitsipas to shut down Greek’s year-end No 1 chancesTsitsipas mascot forced to run behind him as Djokovic left confusedNadal retirement fears allayed as star’s coach makes firm statement Andrey Rublev called for “peace” in a poignant message on the camera lens (Image: Tennis TV)