Aryna Sabalenka reacts to rival's calls to have her kicked off tour after T-shirt makes powerful statement
Updated . First published
Women's world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka has responded to a rival's calls to have her kicked off the professional tour, along with other Russian and Belarusian players.
Ukraine player Oleksandra Oliynykova stood out after her Australian Open loss to defending champion Madison Keys.
On the T-shirt that Oliynykova wore at a post-match press conference, the daughter of a Ukrainian army soldier had emblazoned the message: “I need your help to protect Ukrainian women and children but I can’t talk about it here."
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Tennis grand slam guidelines deter players from using competition venues to make political statements.
But after her 7-6(6), 6-1 loss to Keys in the first round on Rod Laver Arena, Oliynykova found a way to express her message.
She has never been shy about her stance on the war, publicly stating several times she wants the ATP and WTA to ban Russian and Belarusian players while Russia's invasion of her homeland continues.
Oleksandra Oliynykova. Getty
It would mean Sabalenka, a Belarusian, would effectively be kicked off the WTA tour despite being the world's best female player.
After winning her second round match on Wednesday, Sabalenka was asked about Oliynykova's plea.
"I have spoken a lot about that before, obviously. I want peace, and if I could change anything, I would definitely do that," she said.
"Other than that, I have nothing else to say."
Keys praised Oliynykova, who signed autographs, accepted loud applause, and waved a Ukrainian flag after the match.
It came after ninth-seeded Keys trailed 4-0 in the first set before becoming accustomed to the Ukrainian player's unconventional shots which included high lobs — moonballs — that forced Keys deep behind the baseline.
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Aryna Sabalenka is interviewed after her victory against Zhuoxuan Bai of China. Getty
Oliynykova had distinctive facial and other body ink — she said many of her tattoos were only temporary and could be washed off.
She also admitted that her style of play can throw opponents off.
“Since I started my pro year career, I was hearing that I will not be in top 1000, then in top 500, in top 300, and in top 100,” said Oliynykova, who is ranked 92nd in the world.
“All these people telling me that I won’t be able to progress with this game style.
“But, actually, my idea is to do my ‘weird’ things on court, but to be the best player with this type of game. I mean, I saw today that even for one of the best players in the world, it could be really uncomfortable.”
She saved a further connection with Ukraine for post-match, where she showed up wearing the T-shirt and praised her father's commitment to family and country.
Oleksandra Oliynykova's T-shirt after her Australian Open match. Getty/Twitter
“He is my biggest supporter and has been since childhood,” said Oliynykova.
“I’m so proud of him and that’s something that’s keeping me motivated even more. After he joined the military, I have improved my ranking over 200 places. I know it was his dream to see me on this court and I would do everything to make him proud."
Her biggest thrill of the day came after the match, despite the loss.
“He told me it was an amazing match — he just texted me and I made his dream come true,” she said of her father's message from afar.
“I cannot explain these feelings, but when you are in this situation, you can, you know, put priorities in your life. I will do everything to make him even more proud.”
- with Simon Brunsdon
