Aryna Sabalenka admits being publicly praised by Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko won’t really help her situation in the locker room with Ukrainian players. In a recent speech, Belarusian president Lukashenko acknowledged Sabalenka’s success in early 2023, which includes winning the Australian Open and Adelaide International, as well as finishing as runner-up in Indian Wells.
When asked about Sabalenka saying she is “for peace all the world,” Lukashenko said he had no issues with a Belarusian athlete saying they were against the war – because he is also against the war. Also, Lukashenko noted that just because Sabalenka is playing as a neutral on the WTA Tour, it changes nothing since the whole world knows she is from Belarus.
In recent weeks, Sabalenka several times spoke about the locker room tension, claiming that she felt hatred from Ukrainian players.
Sabalenka on being praised by Belarusian president Lukashenko
“I’m pretty sure that it’s not helping.
I don’t know. I don’t know what to say, because again, he can comment my game, he can comment whatever he want to. Again, I have nothing to do with politics. I’m just an athlete, yes, from Belarus, and I’m just trying to do my best in my sport.
Just trying to focus on myself. If Ukrainians will hate…
