Tennis: Belarusian Sabalenka is aware of the “tensions” with the Ukrainians during the tournaments

“Of course there is a lot of tension between us”, Belarusian scientist N.2 Aryna Sabalenka admitted, on Friday, the relations, in the context of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, between players and players from the three countries.

“But I am still convinced that I did nothing wrong with the Ukrainians – neither I nor the RussiansShe defended the winner at the recent Australian Open, after defeating Greece’s Maria Sakkari, to rally the WTA 1000 final in Indian Wells, California.

“None of us have control over this situation. We all try to keep calm in the locker room… We all understand Ukrainians and feel bad for themshe added.

More than a year after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, with the support of Belarus, tennis is still struggling to manage the situation in its tournaments. The players of these two countries compete under a neutral flag, but the chance of the tables can well oppose them to the Ukrainians or the Ukrainians.

Tensions escalated this week, when a player from this country, Lesia Tsurenko, withdrew just before meeting Sabalenka in the third round.

Then Tsurenko explained to the Ukrainian site, “Big tennis“to be a victim”panic attackAfter a conversation with the WTA President about the consequences of the war in his country.

Polish world number one Iga Swiatek responded saying she understood Tsurenko. “Honestly, I respect Ukrainian women a lot, because if a bomb falls in my country or my house is destroyed, I don’t know if I can take it.“.

“No one can control the emotions of others. And I think the WTA is doing its best on that front to support both sides.Sabalenka, for his part, appreciated, before advancing:Tsurenko’s withdrawal is not due to a panic attack or the political situation“.

“I think there is something more. I found myself in a very difficult situation last year with his coach, because of the way he behaved with me. I think this guy put a lot of pressure on him, which is why it happenedand chained, without giving further details about this alleged incident.

“I’ve been through many hard times, but unfortunately I can’t figure it out, because after all, who would believe a Belarusian girl? The more you talk the better you stopSabalenka concluded.