World quantity 4 Daniil Medvedev stated he was enthusiastic about competing on the Paris Olympics and can comply with the principles as a impartial athlete after the game’s governing physique introduced its stance on gamers from Russia and Belarus on Wednesday.
The Worldwide Tennis Federation (ITF) stated gamers from the 2 international locations may participate within the Paris Video games as neutrals with out flags, emblems or anthems.
Russians and Belarusians had been banned from competing internationally following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, for which Belarus has been used as a staging floor.
In March final 12 months, nonetheless, the IOC issued a set of suggestions for worldwide sports activities federations to permit opponents from these international locations to return.
Talking earlier than his Indian Wells opener on Friday, Russian Medvedev stated he was trying ahead to enjoying within the Olympics after a optimistic expertise in Tokyo three years in the past when he made the quarter-finals of the singles competitors.
“If I can, I’m going to be there. I’m going to play singles and doubles,” Medvedev instructed reporters.
“Once I was in Tokyo it was an incredible expertise. It was most likely one of many greatest reminiscences of my sporting life, which I used to be shocked (by) as a result of in tennis, we are inclined to suppose that the Grand Slams are extra essential.
“Concerning the impartial flag, I’ll comply with the principles. If it’s underneath a impartial flag I’ll play underneath a impartial flag and I’m going to attempt to compete there, present good tennis and attempt to win, for certain.”
Russian and Belarusian gamers already compete on the ATP and WTA excursions as neutrals.
The Olympic tennis occasion will start on July 27.