Aryna Sabalenka said she couldn’t control what Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said about her and that while his comments could make her even more unpopular on the women’s tour, she would “stop the war” in Ukraine if she did. could.
The world number 2 spoke last month of the “hatred” she encountered in the locker room, in a context of tense relations between certain players following the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, supported by its Belarusian ally.
Lukashenko celebrated Sabalenka’s victory at the Australian Open in January and more recently said people knew which country she was from even though she played under a neutral flag.
In March 2022, tennis governing bodies banned players from Russia and Belarus from competing under either country’s name or flag after the war, forcing them to play under neutral flags.
“I’m pretty sure it doesn’t help,” Sabalenka told reporters in Stuttgart on Tuesday when asked about Lukashenko’s comments. “I don’t know what to say because he can comment on my game, he can comment on whatever he wants.
“I have nothing to do with politics… If Ukrainians hate me more after his speech, what can I do? If they feel better about hating me, I will be happy to help them. They can. TO DO.
“But for the rest, if I could stop the war I would, but unfortunately it’s not in my hands and it’s not in my control.”
The 24-year-old said she stays off the internet as much as possible to avoid reading negative comments.
“I will be able to focus on myself and my game and not be too depressed about this situation,” she added.
