“The ATP and WTA have taken a very balanced position. Tennis diplomacy shows its effectiveness” – Alexandre Medvedev

The Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) and the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) have adopted a very balanced position, tennis diplomacy, within the framework of sports diplomacy, shows its effectiveness, we really hope that the tournaments under the auspices of these organizations will return to Russia, said the general director of the tournament “North Palmyra Trophy” Alexander Medvedev .

On Friday it became known that the ATP will not apply sanctions to athletes who participate in the tournament in St. Petersburg. Previously, the WTA had taken a similar position. The international tennis tournament will take place from December 1 to 3. Since February 2022, most international federations have suspended Russians from tournaments under their auspices. Russian tennis players participate in ATP and WTA competitions in neutral status.

— Was it difficult to invite participants this year, including foreign ones?

“What allowed us to invite such strong tennis players this year is our history. We organized 14 tournaments – seven ATP St. Petersburg Open and seven WTA St. Petersburg Ladies Trophy. Collectively, they have been recognized four times as the best tournament in their category. Our captains have undeniable authority in the world of sport and communication between tennis players.

The Olympic values ​​affirm that sport is necessary to develop relationships and build bridges between countries and people. And not for destruction, as we unfortunately see today in the Olympic movement. The Olympic principles were transmitted to the candidates for participation in the tournament. Their number was limited because the teams only had six people. We were spoiled for choice. As a result, both newcomers and those who had previously participated in the tournament were invited.

It was easy? Of course not. But I want to emphasize that the ATP and WTA have taken a very balanced position. And they assured that no sanctions would be applied to players who came to us. They cannot be used. However, tennis diplomacy, within the framework of sports diplomacy, shows its effectiveness.

— Will this tournament still take place if the ATP and WTA tournaments return to Russia?

“We really hope that tennis diplomacy will lead to their return. However, even if this happens, the North Palmyra Trophy tournament will continue in this team format, Medvedev told .

At the Northern Palmyra Trophies tournament, the Lions team will include Svetlana Kuznetsova (captain), Karen Khachanov, Alexander Shevchenko, Anastasia Potapova, Vera Zvonareva (all from Russia), Janko Tipsarevic (captain), Laszlo Djere (both of Serbia), Victoria Tomova (Bulgaria).

Nikolai Davydenko (captain), Anastasia Myskina (captain), Diana Schneider, Veronika Kudermetova (all from Russia), Adrian Mannarino (France), Dusan Lajovic (Serbia), Yulia Putintseva (Kazakhstan), Roberto Bautista will play for the Sphinx team Agut (Spain).