Aryna Sabalenka sent message of congratulations by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko despite previous support snub

Aryna Sabalenka was congratulated by the tennis world after winning the Australian Open for a second time defeating Qinwen Zheng in the final 6-3, 6-2 to seal it back-to-back and add yet another crown to her collection. Praise also came from back home in the form of president Alexander Lukashenko in Belarus who sent his congratulations to the top tennis star.

This though may not reach Sabalenka who previously denounced the leader after being put under pressure during the 2023 French Open. Asked at the time whether she still supports Lukashenko after pictures of her and the leader surfaced of them hugging, she responded that wasn't the case.

“It’s a tough question. I don’t support war, meaning I don’t support Lukashenko right now," she said at Roland Garros.

Previously Sabalenka signed a letter in support of his regime in Minsk then celebrated New Year with him in 2020, this months after he began a crackdown on dissent including with torture and mass imprisonment, he has come under further fire for helping to aid Russia in the war with Ukraine which has also seen Belarusian athletes such as Sabalenka having to compete under a neutral banner. But she finally responded after refusing to condemn him and that she felt unsafe in the press conference. Since then though, she has now received a congratulations for defeating Qinwen Zheng and bringing sporting glory again to the country.

"I congratulate you on the confident win and defending the Australian Open title. Winning the Grand Slam tournament is a huge personal achievement, a matter of national pride, a great incentive and an example for thousands of children in Belarus and around the world. I thank everyone involved in this triumph. I wish you good health and new successes," the congratulatory message read as per Belta.