Reuters
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Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka stated she struggled to know the “hate” she encountered within the locker room amid strained relations between some gamers following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The world quantity two has beforehand stated she has nothing in opposition to Ukrainian individuals and felt dangerous for them as Moscow’s motion rages on. Belarus has been a staging space for the invasion, which Moscow calls a “particular army operation.”
“It was actually powerful for me as a result of I’ve by no means confronted that a lot hate within the locker room,” Sabalenka stated forward of the Miami Open. “There are a whole lot of haters on Instagram if you’re shedding matches, however within the locker room I’ve by no means confronted that.
“It was actually powerful to know that there’s so many individuals who hate me for no cause. I did nothing.”
Australian Open champion Sabalenka misplaced within the ultimate of Indian Wells to Elena Rybakina on Sunday.
Earlier within the match, Ukraine’s Lesia Tsurenko withdrew from her match in opposition to Sabalenka over a panic assault triggered by a dialog with WTA chief Steve Simon about tennis’s response to Russia’s invasion.
Sabalenka stated she had been having “bizarre conversations” with members of some gamers’ groups within the final 12 months.
“It was actually powerful, however now it’s getting higher,” she stated.
World primary Iga Swiatek has known as for extra help to be provided to Ukrainian gamers, saying the tennis management was not doing sufficient, however two-time grand slam champion Victoria Azarenka of Belarus stated that was not the case.
“There are particular gamers which have totally different emotions and behaviors. Total, I don’t essentially share the identical opinion as Iga does,” Azarenka stated.
“I’d encourage her to take a look at the issues which have been performed earlier than she makes feedback. As a participant council member, I’m completely satisfied to offer the information. That will be a extra acceptable option to have that dialog.”
