Aryna Sabalenka Avoids Politics After Oleksandra Oliynykova Urges Ban on Belarusians, Russians

Belarusian world number one Aryna Sabalenka has reiterated her decision to avoid political discussions at the Australian Open, following Ukrainian player Oleksandra Oliynykova’s call for Russian and Belarusian athletes to be banned from tennis. Oliynykova, whose father is actively serving in Ukraine’s armed forces, criticised the presence of players from both nations amid the ongoing conflict. At her press conference, she wore a T-shirt reading, "I need your help to protect Ukrainian women and children, but I can't talk about it here."

Oliynykova told Melbourne’s The Age that she believes it is “very wrong” that Russian and Belarusian players are allowed to compete under a neutral flag, unlike athletes in other sports. She emphasised that she avoids interaction with players from these countries, highlighting the lack of awareness about what is happening behind the scenes.

Sabalenka, competing under a neutral designation, stressed that tennis is separate from politics. “I want peace, and if I could change anything, I would definitely do that. Other than that, I have nothing else to say,” she said after advancing to the third round. On Oliynykova’s remarks about a ban, she added, “I’m here for tennis. It’s a tennis event… I just don’t want to talk politics here.”

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The tension comes against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has affected Ukrainian players directly. Oliynykova recounted surviving a nearby explosion and drone attack just before travelling to Australia, while fellow Ukrainian players, including Marta Kostyuk and Elina Svitolina, have been vocal about the war and its impact on their lives.

Svitolina noted that while political stances are important, players must now focus on competition: “We can try to perform well, represent our country, and use our voices to bring help and attention to our homeland,” she said. The Australian Open’s guidelines prohibit political statements at tournament venues, reinforcing the line between sport and diplomacy at Grand Slam events.

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