Daniil Medvedev, on his 'number one' on the day of Russia's attack on Ukraine: "Sometimes tennis is not that important"

Russian tennis player Daniil Medvedev, during his quarterfinal game at the Acapulco Open. Eduardo Verdugo (AP)

While Daniil Medvedev was beating Spaniard Pablo Andújar in the second phase of the Acapulco tournament, Russian troops were ready to attack Ukraine.

It was the Mexican afternoon and the Russian dawn.

After his game, the explosions had already started in different parts of the Ukraine.

The feared Russian offensive had begun, which has forced more than 100,000 people from their homes.

A bitter play of coincidences made this serious date coincide with the news that Medvedev is already the

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The Russian shone this afternoon in Acapulco against Yoshihito Nishioka (6-2 and 6-3) to get into the Acapulco semifinals.

Mixed emotions about establishing yourself as the top dog in tennis on the day your country attacked Ukraine?

"Yes of course.

In these moments you understand that sometimes tennis is not that important, I had many emotions when I woke up.

I knew that Novak lost and that I could be number one in the world no matter what happened”, he commented at a press conference.

“It was a hectic day of emotions”, clinched the Russian.

Novak Djokovic gave him the prestigious throne after falling to Jiry Veseley (6-4 and 7-6 (4)) in the quarterfinals in Dubai.

That allows Medvedev to be number one in the world from next Monday, regardless of whether he falls out of the semifinals in the Mexican tournament.

On the way to the next round, and if all goes well for his rival, he can face Rafa Nadal, who snatched the Australian Open from him with heart and strength.

The Russian tennis player has avoided commenting on the politics of his country.

Vladimir Putin has sent him special messages in his triumphs such as in the 2020 and 2021 Masters. “In the decisive match you played with confidence and did not leave a chance to your strong and renowned rival [Novak Djokovic].

This is how true champions play!” he wrote to her.

The balance of the Russian attack has left at least 137 dead and 316 wounded in Ukraine, reported President Volodímir Zielinski.

In a video published in the early hours of Friday (local time), the president lamented what he considers a lack of support: "They have left us alone."

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