MELBOURNE, Jan 21, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Ukraine's Oleksandra Oliynykova has called for world number one Aryna Sabalenka and other Belarusian and Russian players to be banned from tennis, saying their presence was "very wrong" with the conflict ongoing. But in an interview with the Melbourne Age newspaper she took aim at Russian and Belarusian players, despite them competing under a neutral white flag as independents. Oliynykova said she did not speak with Russian and Belarusian players in the locker rooms or on the practice courts. Unlike other professional Ukrainian tennis players, Oliynykova still lives and trains in her homeland despite the constant threat of Russian attacks. Fellow Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk has also been outspoken about the war and refuses to shake hands with Russian and Belarusian players, most recently Sabalenka after losing in the Brisbane International final.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha January 21, 2026 02:30 UTC