"Was Serena told she'd be banned unless she denounced Clinton, Bush or Obama?" - Tennis fans jump to Daniil Medvedev's defense over potential Wimbledon ban

To say Daniil Medvedev has had a horrible week would be an understatement. First, the Russian surrendered the World No. 1 position to Novak Djokovic after his third-round exit at the 2022 Indian Wells Masters. Just days later, reports emerged that the reigning US Open champion could be prevented from playing at Wimbledon unless he publicly denounces his country's president Vladimir Putin.

The reports come in the wake of Russia's recent invasion of Ukraine, a move Medvedev has already publicly criticized. Major tennis bodies have also banned Russian athletes from representing their country at events, forcing them to play under neutral colors.

Despite that, the UK's Sports Minister said Russian athletes might have to give assurances that they did not support Putin in order to be allowed entry into SW19. Understandably, the move has received a lot of flak on social media.

Many users took to Twitter to point out the hypocrisy of banning only Russian tennis players when athletes from other countries were not subjected to the same treatment for their governments' acts of aggression. The comments were mainly aimed at American and British athletes, who represent two countries that have been involved in several acts of war over the years.

"Was Serena Williams told she'd be banned unless she denounced Bill Clinton for bombing Serbia, or George W. Bush for invading Iraq/Afghanistan or Barack Obama for destroying Libya/Yemen? Did Andy Murray denounce Tony Blair? This is racism against Russians!" one user wrote. "Stand up people, don't be sheep!"

"I don't remember Andy Murray being asked to denounce his PM and "queen" when they invaded Iraq? If this actually happens, this is Wimbledon being racist," another user wrote. "They don't seem to understand that sports unites and politics divides."

Most fans were worried about the repercussions it would have for the 26-year-old and his family's safety back home if he did indeed decide to publicly criticize his president.

"Daniil Medvedev may have to denounce Putin to compete at Wimbledon. And if he and his family go missing after he does so, then what? This is ridiculous," one fan tweeted.

"Firstly, if [Daniil Medvedev] disavows Putin, it’s only a meaningful or powerful statement if he does so of his own volition. Secondly, forcing athletes to take political stances that could be dangerous for them and their families is wrong," another person tweeted. "I think it’s great when athletes speak out, but not like this."

Another point that was brought up by users was that it did not make any sense to ban players in a sport like tennis where no athlete is representing their country. While most agreed that it was more sensible to ban Russians from competitions like the Olympics, they could not wrap their heads around the same practice being extended to tennis.

"This is absurd in my opinion. In an individual competition where you play for yourself, an athlete should not be held accountable for the actions of his/her government. That’s not appropriate," one user posted. "Banning Daniil Medvedev from Wimbledon won’t do anything, except gain a few political points."

"I don't mind banning Russia from the Olympics or major team sports where the theme is 'playing for your country' but asking *individuals* to risk imprisonment or worse so they can play individual sports seems a bit much," another user posted.

Daniil Medvedev can reclaim the World No. 1 spot at the Miami Masters

Daniil Medvedev can become the World No. 1 again by reaching the semifinals at Miami

With Novak Djokovic not playing the Miami Masters, Daniil Medvedev can reclaim the top spot if he reaches the semifinals of the tournament.

Miami has not been a happy hunting ground for the Russian in the past, as his best result in the event has been a run to the quarterfinals in 2021.

With the clay season set to kick off shortly, the Miami Masters represents his best chance of regaining the No. 1 position from Djokovic.