Medvedev and Khachanov praise Wimbledon's decision to overturn ban

These will include ensuring competitors sign neutrality declarations, an approach that has been used by other sports and which is in line with UK government guidance. 

Wimbledon and the Lawn Tennis Association announced their decision to allow players from the two countries to play in their tournaments this summer on Friday. 

Former US Open champion Daniil Medvedev (left) was delighted at the prospect of playing in SW19, while Karen Khachanov is part of the 'Last 8' club at the historic grass court competition

Wimbledon banned Russian and Belarusian players from competing last summer

Players who receive funding from either nation, including having sponsorship deals with state-owned or controlled companies, will not be allowed to participate. 

Former US Open champion Medvedev, who is ranked fifth in the world, has previously only reached the fourth round of the tournament but will be looking to challenge in SW19 after a strong start to the season. 

Speaking after his semi-final, Medvedev expressed his excitement about the news. 

'I'm really happy. I always said that I love this tournament. It's the only grand slam - which is surprising when we have Roland Garros - that I didn't make quarters yet, and I want to do better,' said the player, who has a famously torrid relationship with Roland Garros' clay courts. 

'I had some tough losses there. I want to try to turn this around. It's a beautiful tournament, beautiful grand slam. I'm really happy that I'm going to be able to play there this year.

'I don't have any Russian sponsors and I'm going to play there like we played all the last year every other tournament, to be honest.

'I don't know what the crowd reaction is going to be, I cannot control it, but I will be happy to play there in front of all the people. Hopefully on big courts. Hopefully have some big, amazing matches.'

The LTA also confirmed in their statement announcing the lifting of the ban that there would be a 'zero-tolerance approach to any flags, symbols or actions which support Russia, Belarus or the way' from either players or spectators. 

Khachanov, who building a strong grand slam track record, reaching the semi-finals at the Australian Open this year, and last year's US Open, added: 'All of the Russian and Belarusian players, we said before that we really would like to play there.

Medvedev reacts after defeating Khachanov during the Men's Semi Finals at the Miami Open

The World No 5 has previously only got as far as the fourth round at the British tournament

'I played quarter-finals, I'm in the Last 8 Club, and it's a really great and special event in tennis history. That's why I'm really happy that we will be able to play this year.

'There is neutrality. There is no flag since last year, end of February. So basically we just keep doing the same like all other tournaments. I don't have sponsorships now in Russia, so it is what it is.'

After putting the ban in place last year, the LTA and Wimbledon were handed fines totalling £1.6million ($2million) from the ATP and WTA for their stance. 

Some questioned its efficacy after the women's tournament was won by Elena Rybakina, a Moscow-born player who has competed under the flag of Kazakhstan since 2018. 

Their decision to overturn the ban was in part influenced by the possibility of tournaments like Queen's and Eastbourne being removed by the tours altogether.

In their statement, the organisations stressed their belief in last year's decision to put the ban in place, which continuing to reiterate their support for Ukraine whilst condemning the Russian invasion. 

But the announcement was received poorly by Ukraine's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dmytro Kuleba, who shared his views on the 'immoral' U-turn on Twitter. 

Kuleba posted: 'Wimbledon's decision to permit the participation of Russian and Belarusian players is immoral.

'Has Russia ceased its aggression or atrocities? No, it's just that Wimbledon decided to accommodate two accomplices in crime. I call on the UK government to deny visas to their players.'

Elena Rybakina was allowed to compete as a Kazakhstan athlete despite being born in Moscow

Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said in a statement: 'Individual, self-funded Russian and Belarusian athletes can compete in the UK, subject to following our guidance on neutrality.

'We therefore support the approach of the All England Lawn Tennis Club and Lawn Tennis Association on the basis of following that guidance.'

At events across the ATP and the WTA where players from Russia, Belarus and Ukraine have been competing against one another, some Ukrainian players have refused to shake the hand of their Russian or Belarusian opponents. 

Marta Kostyuk snubbed her opponent after the final of the ATX Open in Texas Varvara Gracheva after winning the title, and did the same to Anastasia Potapova in Miami last Friday.