By Richard Pagliaro | Saturday, January 15, 2022
Daniil Medvedev is chasing Novak Djokovic in the rankings—and supporting the Serbian in his visa appeal.
The second-ranked Russian, who denied Djokovic his dream of completing the calendar Grand Slam by sweeping their US Open final last September, said his view of the 20-time Grand Slam champion's controversial case is simple.
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Medvedev says if Djokovic has a valid medical exemption, he should play the Australian Open and if it's not valid he should not play.
"I want to say about Novak's situation that we're in Australia, it's their rules. But from what I know, again, if he has a valid exemption to be in this country and to do what he wants, then he should play," Medvedev told the media in Melbourne at his pre-tournament presser. "If the exemption is not valid or something else is not valid, well, any country can deny your entry.
"I know yesterday the prime minister, let's say, said no. I didn't really read anywhere why. That's what interests me to know, the reason. Is it just he said, I don't want? Is there a real legal reason behind this? I guess we're going to know a little bit more tomorrow at the appeal."
The second-seeded Medvedev, like Djokovic, is a Lacoste ambassador. Medvedev said the outcome of Djokovic's appeal won't impact his AO preparations since they reside on opposite halves of the draw and could only meet in a second straight AO final between the pair.
"Definitely a tough situation for everybody," Medvedev said. "Talking about myself, well, even if Novak is in the draw, I can only see him in the final. At least, yeah, I need to win six matches before this. It would not change much my preparation for the tournament itself or for any match."
Photo credit: Garrett Ellwood/USTA