Andrei MEDVEDEV: “My players are real fighters”

Captain of the Ukrainian men’s tennis team Andrey Medvedev He shared his expectations from the match to be played in Vilnius on September 15-16 against the Hungarian national team.

“First of all, I would like to thank the people of Lithuania for their hospitality, interest and help. I’m not just talking about how we’re dealing here, but also about your weapons and your humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. In these difficult times for our country, Vilnius feels like a second home. We are grateful to have such good neighbors. There are people to support Ukraine, Lithuanians, Poles and many other European countries. We try to represent our state in the international arena as much as we can.

Our country and its people show an iron will to continue fighting for final victory, but also to fight for victories on all fronts, and one of them will one day be in Vilnius. Sports are very important to us, Ukrainian defenders are waiting for news about how we will play at the Davis Cup meeting and in general in all sports competitions that Ukraine is currently participating in.

It’s really tough psychologically for our players. There are those who were not at home for six months, who left at the beginning of the war, or who were already abroad when it all started. This is also difficult, the financial situation is also difficult, so in fact not all players have the opportunity to participate in competitions. Many lost not only the opportunity to study, but also home. For example, Vladislav Orlov, who is in our team, is from Kharkov, he has a destroyed house there. It is impossible for you to fully focus on tennis and training while such things are happening in your country. We would like to thank especially tennis organizations in Europe for hosting tennis organizations for giving our players the opportunity to train.

Although we are not the favorites in the duel with the Hungarians, we will fight for our country with all our hearts. But sport is not mathematics; here the top scorer doesn’t always win. That’s what makes it so magical. Also, we will play up to two winning sets and the ball is round. I believe my players are true warriors, just like those fighting on the front lines right now. We will do our best and try to refute previous estimates. After all, many predicted a crushing defeat for us on February 24,” he said.

Hungary match will be played on 15-16 September.