Tennis News Roundup: Daniil Medvedev & other players under fire for playing exhibition in blacklisted Russia; Jannik Sinner forced to address engagement rumors

Tennis fans blasted Daniil Medvedev and others who have agreed to play a two-day exhibition tournament in Russia. Jannik Sinner clarified that he had nothing to do with the ring seen on his girlfriend Laila Hasanovic's finger.

Sloane Stephens congratulated Ben Shelton's ex-girlfriend Anna Hall, who got engaged to NFL star Darius Slayton. Emma Raducanu has withdrawn from an exhibition event in the US, which also features Carlos Alcaraz. Holger Rune weighs in on horrific injury that should 'scare' the entire sports world.

On that nore, let's explore the stories of the day:

#1. Fans criticize Daniil Medvedev and others who have signed up for exhibition event in Russia

Rolex Paris Masters 2025 - Source: Getty

ATP and WTA stars such as Daniil Medvedev, Alexander Bublik, Karen Khachanov, Veronika Kudermetova, Diana Shnaider, Anastasia Potapova, and Yulia Putintseva are set to play an exhibition tournament in Russia. The North Palmyra Trophies, a mixed-team event will be held in Saint Petersburg on November 29 and 30.

However, fans have called the players out for agreeing to a tournament that is being paid for by energy corporation Gazprom, which apparently funds the war against Ukraine.

"Medvedev being here is very disappointing," one fan wrote.

"The ATP and WTA should sanction any players who participate in this event. This is unacceptable. Agreeing to play a tournament for a company that is actively funding the war/invasion of Ukraine is disgusting," commented another.

"Lots of players l will no longer support. Medvedev is a surprise, but Khachanov is a bigger one. He’s supposedly all about Armenian rights. Happy to see @AndreyRublev97 not among them," wrote one.

#2. Jannik Sinner addresses engagement rumors amid girlfriend's social media activity with ring

Less than a month ago, Jannik Sinner confirmed his relationship with Danish model Laila Hasanovic during his speech after winning the Vienna Open. Since then, Hasanovic has been a regular in the Italian's box at different tournaments, including the ATP Finals, where he defeated Carlos Alcaraz in the summit clash.

Fans speculated that they were engaged after Hasanovic posted a photo of her hand with a stylish ring on it on Instagram.

However, after winning the ATP Finals, Sinner clarified that he didn't buy the ring, thus quashing the engagement rumors.

"The ring Laila showed on social media? Did I have a hand in it? No, no," Sinner said (via Express).

#3. Ben Shelton's ex-girlfriend announces engagement to NFL star Darius Slayton, Sloane Stephens reacts

Ben Shelton's ex-girlfriend Anna Hall is engaged to New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton. Having met at the University of Florida, Shelton and Hall dated from 2021 to 2023.

Hall started dating Slayton in 2024. As they got engaged last week, Hall shared a few photos and wrote on Instagram:

“My whole entire heart in the exact place we first met. I got to say yes to me & you forever.”

Sloane Stephens was quick to drop a text in the comments section, as the American wrote:

“Congrats ❤️.”

#4. Injured Emma Raducanu withdraws from exhibition event starring Carlos Alcaraz

Emma Raducanu was supposed to partner Carlos Alcaraz in a couple of exhibition matches in America's Newark and Miami on December 7 and 8. However, a right leg injury has forced the Brit to pull out and focus on the next season, with Jessica Pegula stepping in as her replacement.

Alcaraz and Pegula will take on Amanda Anisimova and Frances Tiafoe in mixed doubles in Newark and also play singles matches. In Miami, the Spaniard will clash with Joao Fonseca, while Pegula and Anisimova will square off against each other.

Meanwhile, Raducanu will next play the United Cup in January alongside Jack Draper, as Britain will face Japan and Greece.

Raducanu and Alcaraz were linked to each other during the 2025 US Open when they teamed up for mixed doubles, only to lose in the opening round.

#5. Holger Rune warns sports industry amid injury

Holger Rune's season ended prematurely during his semifinal clash with Ugo Humbert at the Stockholm Open in October. While leading 6-4, 2-2, the Dane suffered a torn Achilles, forcing him to retire mid-match. His mother, Aneke, had blamed the ATP for forcing the players to play more than they can in a season.

During a recent interview with Hard Court, Rune shared similar sentiments, saying:

"The main reason I suffered this injury is fatigue, I’m certain of that," Rune said. "This is a factor that should scare the entire sports industry."

"Sport is entertainment, we all love entertainment, we love the people who enjoy watching us play. We must ensure that everyone has the opportunity to listen to their bodies, but it’s really difficult when you love tennis so much, the competition, the game, the tournaments, and every single fan who comes to the stadium," he added.

Edited by Parag Jain