Aryna Sabalenka admits there is tension in the locker room over the situation involving Russian, Belarusian and Ukrainian players.
Sabalenka had a walkover in one of her matches as Lesia Tsurenko withdrew due to having a panic attack having spoke to Steve Simon about the situation regarding Ukrainian players.
Tsurenko claimed there had been a lack of sympathy regarding Ukrainian players from the WTA chairman with the organisation facing criticism over their attitude towards the situation.
There has been backlash from both sides since the event which has lead to an even more tense environment as the war on Ukraine continues.
Speaking after her semi-final victory over Maria Sakkari, Sabalenka admitted there is tension on the tour and she feels bad for Ukrainians, “Well, listen, nobody can control emotions of others, you know. And I think WTA are doing their best to kind of control it,” Sabalenka told the press conference.
“Yeah, of course it’s a lot of tension between us. I mean, I’m still have this belief that I did nothing bad to Ukraines; not me, not Russian athletes, not Belarusian athletes, not one of us did something bad. Even some of us are like helping.
“So what else I can say? I think WTA are doing really great job to support both sides, and whatever — I mean, I cannot control their emotions. I was through so many bad things, and unfortunately, I’m not able to say that because who gonna believe Belarusian girl.
“I mean, talking about her coach. I have been through also through hell, and I understand that… I don’t know. The more I’m talking, the better I just stop. I think there is something more. I had really tough situation last year with her coach the way he act to me.
“So I think that guy put so much pressure on her, and that’s why that
happen. It’s nothing to do with WTA. I mean, they are doing their best job. What they can do? Nobody of us have this control in this situation.
“All of us just trying to, you know, keep the calmest in the locker room and keep understanding that there is no our fault and that all of us understand Ukrainians, and we really feel bad for them, you know. That’s it. I think I said a lot.”
Given Sabalenka’s comments, it seems there is a lot more information to come out from the situation.
At the moment Belarusian and Russian players are playing on the tour under a neutral flag.
Sabalenka will hope she can continue to let her tennis do the talking as she sets up an Australian Open final rematch with Elena Rybakina at the Indian Wells final.
