Aryna Sabalenka told reporters at the Australian Open she doesn’t want to speak about politics after a fellow player called for the banning of Russian and Belarusian players.
Oleksandra Oliynykova, who was beaten by Madison Keys in the first round earlier this week, reignited the calls amid the ongoing war in her native Ukraine. Following her exit from the tournament, the 23-year-old attended her press conference with a t-shirt that said “I need your help to protect Ukrainian women and children but I can’t talk about it here.”This was done in reference to the Grand Slam rule that prohibits players from making political gestures. She then expressed her full view on the matter during an interview with The Age newspaper.
“I think it’s very wrong that they are not disqualified in tennis like in other sports,” said Oliynykova, whose father is currently fighting in the conflict.
“Because I know that here is the picture that we are, like all tennis girls playing, but the people don’t see the things behind it.
“And this is, you know, the people with money and power, and they are using this to support aggression against my country.
“They are the reason the people like this who have the power to speak up against them are not doing this.”
Under the current rules, Russian and Belarusian players, such as Sabalenka, are free to play on the Tour, but they can only do so under a neutral status. However, the countries are currently banned from participating in team events such as the Billie Jean King Cup.
Sabalenka was quizzed about Oliynykova’s comments after sealing her place in the third round of the Australian Open with a 6-3, 6-1 win over China’s Zhuoxuan Bai. She has now won 45 out of her last 50 sets played at the tournament.
“I have spoken a lot about that before, obviously. I want peace, and if I could change anything, I would definitely do that,” she said. “Other than that, I have nothing else to say.”
“I’m here for tennis. It’s a tennis event. I have said enough in the past and just don’t want to talk about politics here.” She added.
Another player to weigh in on the subject was Ukraine’s highest-ranked player, Elina Svitolina. Should the draw proceed according to rankings, she is projected to play two Russian players in the next two rounds: Diana Shnaider and Mirra Andreeva.
“The decision has been made by the WTA and ATP. Right now what we can do is go out there, try to perform well, try to represent our country in the right way, and use our voices to bring the attention, to bring the help, and to not forget that we can use our voices to bring the help, to bring the attention to our homeland.” Svitolina said after beating Linda Klimovicova 7-5, 6-1.
Sabalenka, who is seeking her third title in Melbourne, will next play Anastasia Potapova. Potapova used to play for Russia before switching her allegiance to Austria last year.
