Aryna Sabalenka, bitter outburst in Rome

Aryna Sabalenka, bitter outburst in Rome

Aryna Sabalenka vented at a press conference in Rome at the start of the Internazionali d’Italia, talking about her difficult relationship with her Ukrainian colleagues, Polish and otherwise. “Those who hated us at the beginning of the war because of our country, because of our origins, still hate us, not much has changed,” is the world number two’s bitter remark.

“I am happy that we are allowed to play,” continued the Belarusian, “that Wta is doing everything possible to handle the situation as best as possible. Unfortunately, however, we tennis players have no control over this situation, the only thing that changes for me is that while I don’t stop thinking about it, I am beginning to focus on myself and understand that I have done nothing wrong to Ukraine, that it is not my fault, nor the fault of the Russian and Belarusian athletes.”

“We are just athletes who were able to do what they could and play sports. This is the only thing that helps me stay focused and play tennis.”