MELBOURNE – After being eliminated in the first round of the Australian Open, Ukrainian tennis player Oleksandra Olynikova spoke out in favor of banning the participation of Russian and Belarusian players in tournaments.
She arrived at a press conference in Melbourne wearing a T-shirt that read “I need your help to protect Ukrainian women and children, but I can’t talk about it here.” Political statements are prohibited at Grand Slam tournaments. Tennis organizations ATP and WTA have allowed Russian and Belarusian players to participate in tournaments, but players from these countries are not allowed to use national symbols.
“I think it is very bad that they are not disqualified like in other sports,” said Oliynykova in an interview with the Melbourne Age newspaper.
The 25-year-old tennis player, whose father is fighting on the front against the Russian invasion, lost to defending champion Madison Keys in her Grand Slam debut. He tries to avoid contact with players from Russia and Belarus. “It looks like we’re all just playing tennis, but people don’t see what’s going on behind the scenes,” she said.
After advancing to the third round, her compatriot Jelina Svitolina indicated that every success of the Ukrainian athlete can help the country. “Because it brings attention to her repeatedly. We must not be forgotten. We need help, and if we can contribute in any way, we must.” said the former world number three.
Belarusian tennis player Aryna Sabalenková, who is at the top of the rankings, has been playing under a neutral flag for several years due to the military conflict.
“I wish for peace and if I could change something, I would definitely do it. I have nothing to add to that. I’m here for tennis and I don’t want to talk about politics.” answered a question regarding Olyniková’s statement.
- Author: © List/
- Source: CTK
