Daniil Medvedev trophy defence in major doubt as ITF issue sanctions on Russia and Belarus

New world No 1 Daniil Medvedev looks increasingly unlikely to be able to defend his Davis Cup triumph this year after the International Tennis Federation announced their sanctions on the Russian and Belarusian tennis authorities. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the ITF have cancelled all their organised events in Russia and Belarus. They have also placed an immediate suspension on the tennis federations for both countries.

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Medvedev played a huge role in Russia winning the 2021 Davis Cup.

But these sanctions could put an end to the team's hopes of defending their title.

However, the ITF are yet to confirm if Russian and Belarusian athletes can compete neutrally, as has been suggested by Ukraine tennis star Elina Svitolina.

A statement from the ITF reads: "The International Tennis Federation (ITF) condemns Russia's invasion of