Aryna Sabalenka says she has faced ‘really tough’ locker room ‘hate’ following Russian invasion of Ukraine
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ByEurosport
Published 23/03/2023 at 11:03 GMT
Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka has said that she has faced “hate” over the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Belarus is an ally of Russia, and players from both countries have operated as neutral athletes following the invasion. They have been banned from competing at some events, including Wimbledon. "It was really tough to understand that there's so many people who hate me for no reason," said Sabalenka.
Australian Open highlights: Sabalenka roars back to beat Rybakina and claim maiden Grand Slam title
Belarusian tennis player Aryna Sabalenka has said that she has suffered “hate” since Russia invaded Ukraine.
Belarus is an ally of Russia, and has, along with Russia, seen its athletes banned from competing at some events, including Wimbledon.
Belarusian and Russian athletes have competed under neutral flags following the invasion.
Sabalenka, 24, said in an interview before the Miami Open that she has suffered hate since the invasion a year ago.
"It was really tough to understand that there's so many people who hate me for no reason," said Sabalenka.
"I did nothing."
Sabalenka, who collected a first Grand Slam singles title at January’s Australia Open, added that some of the hate she has been the focus of has come from within the locker room.
"It was really tough for me because I've never faced that much hate in the locker room," she added.
"There are a lot of haters on Instagram when you're losing matches, but in the locker room I've never faced that.
"I had some - not like fights - but I had some weird conversations with - not the girls - but with members of their team. It was tough. It was [a] tough period.
“But now it's getting better."
Sabalenka lost the Indian Wells final to Elena Rybakina - the player she beat in the Australian Open final - and is the No. 1 seed at the Miami Open after the withdrawal of Iga Swiatek. She will face Shelby Rogers in the second round.
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