Aryna Sabalenka refused to attend her post-match press conference at the French Open on Friday, insisting she was protecting her mental wellbeing.
Belarus’ Sabalenka was involved in a tetchy exchange with a Ukrainian journalist regarding the ongoing invasion earlier in the week.
And after beating Kamilla Rakhimova, she was given special dispensation by French Open officials to not speak to the wider media. Normally players from the ATP and WTA Tours who do not attend their post-match press conferences are hit with a five-figure fine.
Instead, she gave an interview to small select group of journalists in which she said: “After my match I spoke with the media like I normally do. I know they still expect some questions that are more about the politics and not so much about my tennis.
“For many months now, I have answered these questions at tournaments and been very clear in my feelings and my thoughts. These questions do not bother me after my matches.
“I know that I have to provide answers to the media on things not related to my tennis or my matches but, on Wednesday, I did not feel safe in press conference. I should be able to feel safe when I do interviews with the journalists after my matches.
“For my own wellbeing, I have decided to take myself out of this situation today and the tournament has supported me in this decision.”
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has been backed by the Belarus government, with players from both countries sanctioned on the global sporting stage as a result.
The likes of Sabalenka were banned by Wimbledon from competing at last year’s tournament but have been allowed to play this summer by signing a specific contract regarding their behaviour.
