Daniil Medvedev agrees with Iga Swiatek on top players having more responsibility to talk about Russia-Ukraine war, reiterates his calls for peace

Daniil Medvedev agreed with Iga Swiatek's assessment that top players have more responsibility to raise their voices when it comes to matters like the Russia-Ukraine war, a topic he has previously made his stance clear on.

Speaking at her recent press conference at the BNP Paribas Open, Swiatek had brought up the situation with Ukraine due to the recent controversy with WTA CEO Steve Simon's comments to Lesia Tsurenko.

The World No. 1 was of the opinion that players such as herself, who were in a better financial position, should take it on themselves to push towards an aggreeable solution, at the same time admitting that she did not know exactly what that looked like.

"It's unfortunate that some people were born in countries that make the war, but I feel like with that responsibility should come -- like, they should be more responsible sometimes. I don't know how to finish that sentence," Swiatek said.

Speaking at his own press conference after his 6-3, 7-5 win over Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the quarterfinals at Indian Wells, Daniil Medvedev was asked his thoughts on the matter. The Russian began by showing his sympathy for Ukrainian players before declining to comment on the Tsurenko issue as he did not have all the requisite information.

"Yeah, it's a tough question to answer. First of all, I definitely do feel sorry for all the Ukrainian players and what they go through. For sure, the situation with Tsurenko, I don't know in details. It's more for her and for maybe a little bit Sabalenka to answer, because I actually didn't know about this till the next day."

"I was actually -- because I finished the match before them, and then I was surprised there were doubles after. I thought there was singles match, and then the next day I saw it," Daniil Medvedev said.

The former US Open champion then went on to agree with Swiatek's call to be more responsible, reiterating that he has always wanted peace to prevail in both countries and everywhere around the world.

"Talking about top players, of course we have a responsibility, and it depends how every person, individual, will do with it and will hold with it. I always said the same, I'm for peace all over the world, to be honest, and that's all I can say," Medvedev said. "I am for peace. So I'm going to continue with the same answer."

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Daniil Medvedev takes on Frances Tiafoe in Indian Wells semifinal

Daniil Medvedev at the BNP Paribas Open

Meanwhile, Daniil Medvedev will return to the tennis court on Saturday to take on Frances Tiafoe in the semifinals of the 2023 BNP Paribas Open. Tiafoe beat Cameron Norrie in the quarterfinals, taking down the Brit 6-4, 6-4 in straight sets.

Medvedev leads the head-to-head against the American 4-0 and will be hoping to take his lead to five when they meet over the weekend. The winner of the clash could most likely take on either defending champion Taylor Fritz or top seed Carlos Alcaraz in the summit clash.