Daniil Medvedev, Karen Khachanov, and Andrei Rublev are not expected to compete in the upcoming Olympic Games in Tokyo after Russia was banned from the Olympics and other major sports events for four years by the World Anti-Doping Agency. Maria Sharapova announced her decision not to play the Games a few days ago, but probably, that decision was probably triggered by the feeling that something was about to happen.
Unfortunately, the ban will also affect “our” tennis players in Japan even if they didn’t do anything wrong.
The news is rather fresh and it seems that the ban will be extended to the Olympic Games and the soccer’s World Cup. There is still a bit of confusion about the meaning and the scope of the ban where it is mentioned that it is extended to “other major sports events.”
The Russians have 21 days to lodge an appeal that will be examined by the Swiss-based Court of Arbitration for Sport.
The ban and tennis
This ban should not apply to tennis competitions, with the obvious exception of the Olympic Games.
Maria Sharapova recently announced her intention to play the World Team Tennis at Orange County Breakers in the United States from 28 to 29 July 2020 (same week as the Olympics) to comment “I’m excited to be back with the Breakers again. The competition in World Team Tennis is always strong, and I am looking forward to playing in the team format again.”
It seems that she already knew or felt that the ban was on the way. Unfortunately, Sharapova was banned for doping for 15 months after a controversial decision. This is a completely different scenario. Medvedev, Khachanov, and Rublev seemed to be quite happy to represent their country in Japan. Most probably, that will not happen, however, they may participate as individuals.
Maria Sharapova’s ranking and performance in 2019
Ranked no.131, the Russian played her last match on the 26th of August when she had to bow to Serena Williams 6-1 6-1 in the 1st round in U.S. Open.
Daniil Medvedev’s ranking and performance in 2019
Ranked no.5, Medvedev played his last match on the 15th of November when he was overcome by Alexander Zverev 6-4 7-64 in the Round Robin in London.
This year the Russian has a 58-21 win-loss record. Daniil conquered 4 titles in 2019 in Sofia, in Cincinnati, in St. Petersburg and in Shanghai. Daniil was the finalist in Brisbane, in Barcelona, in Washington, in Montreal and at the U.S. Open.
