Sabalenka refuses to answer reporter on supporting Lukashenko while Belarusians were being tortured: "I have no comments"

Friday, 02 June 2023 at 17:08

Aryna Sabalenka clashed with a Ukrainian journalist after continuing her French Open campaign with victory over compatriot Iryna Shymanovich.

A reporter confronted the World No.2 about previously supporting President Lukashenko while Belarusians were being tortured in the street, the same reporter who also quizzed her surrounding the war in Ukraine.

"I’ve not to comments to you, so thank you for your question,” she responded.

When the journalist tried to ask a second question asking her to condemn the war instead of saying all athletes were against it, she stood firm after the initial question.

Read also

"I've got no comments for you" in reply. The reporter continued to probe saying: "So you basically support everything because you cannot speak up? You're not a small person, Aryna."

In the end as it seemed like Sabalenka wasn't going to answer, a moderator stopped it. "She's made it clear she's not going to answer" as Sabalenka said "First of all yes". The final word went to the reporter who said. “Now we know everything. It’s all clear.”

Read also

The Tennis Letter

@TheTennisLetter

·Follow

Sabalenka was asked about supporting Lukashenko when Belarusians were being tortured for protesting. Reporter: “You signed a letter to support Lukashenko, when he was torturing protestants. How is it possible the potential #1 supports a dictator?” Aryna: “I have no comments.”

6:01 PM · May 31, 2023

695

Read 184 replies

Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief

Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.

Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.

See author's posts

claps 2visitors 2

Sabalenka turns down post-match press conference at French Open for her 'own mental health and wellbeing' similar to Osaka incident

"It's ridiculous": Wilander slams Roland Garros scheduling amid lack of night matches for female players