Sabalenka reveals hate is still there because of nationality: "I don't think it's going to change"
WTA
Aryna Sabalenka has opened up in recent months amid her rise up the WTA Rankings about feeling hatred regarding her nationality.
This being due to the Russia-Ukraine war, with Belarus being one of the nations involved and also meaning that Sabalenka plays under a neutral flag.
Speaking ahead of the Rome Open, she discussed what has changed and the challenges affecting her.
"Well, it's a tough question because everything, I want to say, you can play around it. It's tough to say. What exactly you mean 'changed'? The ones who was hating us before, I don't know, our country, for where we're from, they still hate us," said Sabalenka.
But like others, she admits that while it won't change, she has accepted it and that for her, she has to shun the notion of it being her fault.
"This didn't change and I don't think it's going to change because of the situation. I'm happy that we are allowed playing, that WTA doing everything they can to kind of handle this situation as good as they can. Yeah, that's it."
"The only thing change for myself, not like I stop thinking about that, I just start focusing on myself and understand that I've done nothing bad to Ukraines, that is not my fault, not the fault of Russian and Belarusian athletes. We are just an athlete who could do what they can and who play sport. This is the only thing what help me to stay focus and just to play tennis."
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.
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