Ukraine’s Oleksandra Oliynykova has called for world number one Aryna Sabalenka and other Russian and Belarusian players to be banned from tennis, saying their continued presence on the tour is “very wrong” while the war in her country continues.
The 25-year-old made her Grand Slam debut at the Australian Open on Tuesday, where she lost in the first round to defending champion Madison Keys. Oliynykova, whose father is fighting on the frontlines in Ukraine, spoke out after the match in Melbourne.
She attended her post-match press conference wearing a T-shirt bearing the slogan: “I need your help to protect Ukrainian women and children but I can’t talk about it here.” Under Grand Slam rules, players are prohibited from making political statements at competition venues.
However, in an interview with the Melbourne Age newspaper, Oliynykova criticised the participation of Russian and Belarusian players, who are currently allowed to compete under a neutral white flag.
“I think it’s very wrong that they are not disqualified in tennis like in other sports,” she said. “Because I know that here is the picture that we are, like all tennis girls playing, but the people don’t see the things behind it.”
Sabalenka, who is Belarusian, has previously said she believes sport “has nothing to do with politics”. Belarus is a close ally of Russia and President Vladimir Putin.
Oliynykova said she does not interact with Russian or Belarusian players at tournaments.
“I don’t communicate with them,” she said. “But, you know, people are not informed about this and if I need to say it, I will, because I feel it is unfair.”
Unlike several other Ukrainian professionals, Oliynykova continues to live and train in Ukraine despite the ongoing threat of Russian attacks. She said she narrowly avoided danger shortly before travelling to Australia.
“There was an explosion just near my home and a drone hit the home just across the road,” she said. “My apartment was literally shaking because of the explosion.”
Her stance echoes that of fellow Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk, who has been outspoken about the war and refuses to shake hands with Russian and Belarusian players. Kostyuk most recently declined to do so after losing to Sabalenka in the final of the Brisbane International.
