The Kremlin condemns the transfer of Daniil Medvedev to Wimbledon

The runner-up of the Russian world, Daniil Medvedev, came from Wimbledon.

A decision that makes the Kremlin (!) react.

– This makes athletes hostages in the form of hostilities against our country, says Vladimir Putin’s spokesman, Dmitry Peskov.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine prevented most Russian athletes from competing outside the country’s borders.

Tennis was one of the few exceptions.

ITF, ATP and Women’s Tennis Association Russian players were allowed to play under the neutral flag.

But the regulator is not activated now Wimbledon – Classic tournament in London – decided to transfer players from Russia and Belarus.

This means that the men’s world number two, Daniil Medvedev, and women’s world number four, Arina Sabalenka, have a potential grand slam title.

Competition will be affected.

The decision sparked so much outrage in Russia that the country’s highest political body is now commenting on the news.

Dmitry Peskov, a spokesperson Russian President Vladimir PutinThe decision says it is an “unacceptable” move by Britain.

– Given that Russia is a strong tennis country, the competitions themselves will be affected, Peskov tells the state-controlled Russia Today and continues:

– And once again, you will hold the athletes hostage to some form of political prejudice, conspiracy and hostilities against our country.

Shamil Tarpicchev, President of the Russian Tennis Federation, told Sport Express:

– We can’t do anything. I think this decision is wrong. I don’t want to talk about this, everything I say will be used against athletes.