Medvedev happy at end to Wimbledon's Russia ban

World number five Daniil Medvedev welcomed Wimbledon's decision on Friday to allow Russian and Belarusian players to compete in this year's tournament.

Medvedev reached his fifth straight ATP final with a three-set victory over fellow Russian Karen Khachanov in the semi-finals of the Miami Open, just hours after the decision from the All England Club.

"I'm happy to know about this. I always said that if I can play Wimbledon, I will be really happy to be there," Medvedev said.

"That's a tournament I love. That's the only slam where I haven't been in quarters yet. And I cannot say I hate grass at least. I kind of like it. So I really want to do well there. It's a beautiful tournament. And I'm happy that I have the chance to play this year," he added.

Wimbledon last year banned players from Russia and Moscow-allied Belarus after the invasion of Ukraine and the LTA also barred players from other events.

Elsewhere, players have been able to compete on their tours as neutrals, including at the other Grand Slams.

Competitors from the two countries will be able to enter the Grand Slam in July if they compete as "neutral" athletes and comply with certain conditions.

Players will be prohibited from expressing support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine and those who receive funding from the Russian or Belarusian states, including sponsorship from state-operated or state-controlled companies, will remain barred.

Medvedev said that would not be a problem for him.

"No, not at all, I don't have any Russian sponsors, and I'm gonna play there like we played all the last year, every other tournament to be honest, and again I'm gonna be happy to be there," he said.

"I don't know what the crowd reaction is gonna be, I can't control it, but I will be