Aryna Sabalenka reacts after beating Maria Sakkari in Indian Wells semifinal (AP Photo)
Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka spoke about Ukraine’s Lesia Tsurenko’s withdrawal from Indian Wells third spherical
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues to stir stress within the tennis world, and Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka mentioned Friday that it’s not solely Ukrainian gamers who’re feeling the pressure.
“Of course it’s lots of stress between us,” Australian Open champion Sabalenka said after beating Maria Sakkari to reach the final of the combined WTA and ATP Masters 1000 in the California desert.
But, she added, “I still have this belief that I did nothing bad to Ukrainians — not me, not Russian athletes.”
The WTA and ATP excursions have barred gamers from Russia and its ally Belarus from competing underneath their nationwide flags, however insist that particular person athletes have a proper to compete.
Wimbledon, which banned gamers from Russia and Belarus final yr, is reportedly poised to permit them to return.
Sabalenka, who mentioned earlier than the match that she wrestled with guilt final yr however lastly concluded that the state of affairs was not her fault, was thrust into the highlight once more this week when Ukraine’s Lesia Tsurenko withdrew from their third-round match.
Tsurenko later informed the Big Tennis of Ukraine portal that she had a panic assault, the overwhelming feelings coming days after a dialog with WTA chief govt Steve Simon concerning the ongoing tensions associated to the conflict during which she discovered Simon unsupportive.
Sabalenka mentioned she felt the WTA had been even-handed in coping with gamers from all international locations.
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“I used to be via so many unhealthy issues, and sadly, I’m not in a position to say that as a result of who’s gonna consider Belarusian lady,” she said.
“I think Tsurenko withdrawing, there was more than panic attack or more than political situation.
“I think there is something more. I had a really tough situation last year with her coach the way he act to me. So I think that guy put so much pressure on her, and that’s why that happened.
“It’s nothing to do with WTA. They are doing their best job. None of us have control in this situation.
“All of us (are) just trying to keep calm in the locker room … all of us understand Ukrainians and we really feel bad for them.”
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World primary Iga Swiatek of Poland mentioned she understood Tsurenko’s choice, nonetheless.
“Honestly I respect Ukrainian women a lot, as a result of if a bomb landed in my nation or if my residence was destroyed, I don’t know if I may deal with that, truthfully, and play on WTA and compete.”
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