Belarusian tennis player Aryna Sabalenka, currently ranked number two globally, revealed that she has encountered “hate” in the locker room due to her country’s involvement in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The Australian Open champion expressed that she had engaged in “weird conversations” with members of other players’ teams as well.
Belarus, being an ally of Russia, permitted its territory to be used for launching the invasion last year. Sabalenka stated that it was difficult for her to comprehend the extent of the hatred she received for no valid reason. She emphasized that she had done nothing wrong.
Since the onset of the conflict, players from both countries have been classified as neutral athletes and were banned from participating in Wimbledon last year.
Sabalenka, who recently lost in the final of Indian Wells to Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan, made these comments prior to the commencement of the Miami Open. She mentioned that it was particularly challenging for her as she had never encountered such hostility in the locker room before. While she has received hate on Instagram in response to losing matches, facing it in the locker room was a new experience for her.
She admitted to having had some uncomfortable conversations with members of other players’ teams, though she clarified that they were not fights. It was a difficult period for her, but she believes that things are improving now.
Lesia Tsurenko from Ukraine withdrew from a match against Sabalenka at Indian Wells last week. Tsurenko cited a panic attack following a conversation with Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) CEO Steve Simon regarding the sport’s response to Russia’s invasion as her reason for withdrawal.
