Aryna Sabalenka, the current world No.1 in women’s tennis singles, has responded to a stunning claim from Oleksandra Oliynykova, who insisted that Sabalenka and other Belarusian and Russian players from professional tennis after her first-round exit from the Australian Open.
The Australian Open is underway and Ukrainian tennis player Oliynykova exited the competition at the first round following a loss to ninth seed Madison Keys.
With her father being a soldier, whom she is trying to support by raising money through her tennis winnings, in Ukraine’s war effort, Oliynykova didn’t leave the Grand Slam on a quiet note as she called out Sabalenka, claiming that she shouldn’t be allowed to compete.
Sabalenka Reponds to Calls From Oliynykova Claiming She Should Not Be Allowed to Compete
Following her first-round defeat to Keys, Oliynykova – the world No.92 – wore a T-shirt with the message: ‘I need your help to protect Ukrainian children and women, but I can’t talk about it here’ written on it.
Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine has been a pertinent conversation in the world of sport since it first happened, with many claiming the nation shouldn’t be allowed to participate in events in every sport. Oliynykova believes that should be the case for Belarus international Sabalenka.
After her very first Grand Slam debut at Melbourne Park came to a swift close, the 25-year-old spoke about Russian and Belarusian tennis athletes who are still able to compete.