Belarusian world number one Aryna Sabalenka and Russian former champion Daniil Medvedev have issued responses following direct criticism from Ukrainian tennis professional Oleksandra Oliynykova at the Australian Open. Oliynykova, ranked 92nd globally, has publicly demanded that players from Russia and Belarus face comprehensive bans from all ATP and WTA tournaments in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Ukrainian Player's Vocal Protest
In interviews with prominent outlets including The Age and L'Equipe, the 25-year-old Oliynykova, who resides in Kyiv while her father serves on the Ukrainian frontline, labelled the continued participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes as "very wrong." Her stance comes four years after the initial invasion, a period during which most players from these nations have competed under a 'neutral' banner, with Wimbledon 2022 being the notable exception to this policy.
Following her first-round defeat to defending champion Madison Keys, Oliynykova made a poignant statement at her press conference. She wore a t-shirt bearing the message: "I need your help to protect Ukrainian women and children but I can’t talk about it here." She further elaborated on the personal impact of the war, revealing that a night before travelling to Melbourne, her apartment in Kyiv shook from a nearby explosion after a drone struck a building across the road.
Targeting Top Players
Oliynykova specifically called out Aryna Sabalenka, stating that players who express support for the leaders of Russia and Belarus are "dangerous people." She also criticised Daniil Medvedev and other athletes for their participation in a December exhibition event in St Petersburg, which was sponsored by the state-owned energy giant Gazprom.
Sabalenka's Measured Response
When questioned about Oliynykova's comments after her second-round victory over China's Bai Zhuoxuan, Sabalenka offered a restrained reply. "I have spoken a lot about that before, obviously," the Belarusian star stated. "I want peace, and if I could change anything, I would definitely do that. Other than that, I have nothing else to say."
Pressed on whether she considered the Ukrainian's remarks unfair, Sabalenka reiterated her desire to focus solely on sport. "Listen, I'm here for tennis. It's a tennis event. I have said enough in the past and just don't want to talk politics here. Thank you." This echoes her previous approach at the 2023 French Open, where she skipped two press conferences citing mental health after facing pointed questions from a Ukrainian journalist about the war and her stance on Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. Upon her return, she clarified, "It’s a tough question. I don’t support war, meaning I don’t support Lukashenko right now."
Medvedev's Diplomatic Stance
Daniil Medvedev, the former world number one and US Open title holder, was similarly asked to address Oliynykova's condemnation, particularly regarding the Gazprom exhibition. The Russian player adopted a diplomatic tone in his response. "In general, I respect all the opinions of all the people," Medvedev remarked. "On the court actually a bit different, right, but outside the court, I respect all the opinions. But that's her opinion, and honestly, I don't have anything to say about it."
The exchange underscores the persistent political tensions that continue to permeate international tennis, with the Australian Open serving as the latest arena for this complex and emotionally charged debate. The situation highlights the difficult balance the sport's governing bodies must strike between athletic competition and geopolitical realities.
