Tennis star Daniil Medvedev will play at this year’s Australian Open without a national flag next to his name.

Like others during the Melbourne Park tournament, Medvedev isn’t allowed to represent his country of birth.

The Sporting News explains why.

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Where is Daniil Medvedev from?

Medvedev, 28, was born in Russia’s capital Moscow and has previously played under the Russian flag at international events.

Along with other players from Belarus and Russia, Medvedev is not permitted to compete under the Russian flag at the Australian Open.

Here’s why:

Why are tennis players competing with no flag?

For the fourth year in a row, the Australian Open has said that while there will be no restrictions on Russian and Belarusian tennis players competing, they will be unable to compete under the flag or name of their countries, including on their clothes and via the broadcast. 

“Players from Russia and Belarus are only able to compete in international tennis events as individuals – and without flags or country recognition – which will be the case for Australian Open 2023,” Tennis Australia said via a statement before the 2023 event.

“Tennis Australia stands united with the international governing bodies of tennis – the grand slams, the ATP and WTA Tours and the ITF – in its condemnation of Russia’s actions and its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.”

Along with Medvedev, several other big names in the tournament such as Aryna Sabalenka and Andrey Rublev are also competing under no national flag.

Daniil Medvedev ranking

Medvedev is currently ranked world No. 5 and is seeded fifth for Australian Open 2025.

He has six grand slam finals to his name, winning one major (US Open 2021) and falling short in the other five deciders.