Ousted Ukrainian player aims another political shot at Sabalenka

The Ukrainian player who took aim at Aryna Sabalenka and other Russian and Belarusian players earlier this week, claiming they should be banned by the sport because of their countries of origin, has hit out at the world No.1 again following her collaboration with Gucci.

Ukrainian Oleksandra Oliynykova told this masthead earlier this week that the presence of top Belarusian and Russian players on tour and at grand slams was “very wrong”, despite the fact they do not compete under their countries’ flags.

Sabalenka, who is playing in the fourth round against Canadian Victoria Mboko on Sunday, has previously repeatedly said that she didn’t support the Russian invasion of Ukraine or Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, and that she only wanted peace in Ukraine.

However, the Ukrainian world No. 92 has since taken to social media to comment on Sabalenka’s collaboration with Gucci, which was announced three days ago.

“A supporter of a bloody dictator becomes an ambassador for a top brand ... what is wrong with this world,” Oliynykova posted on her Instagram story.

“And at what point did people start valuing powerful serves and forehands over ruined lives?”

Ukrainian player Oleksandra Oliynykova pictured after her match earlier this week.Credit: Eddie Jim

This masthead is not suggesting the claims by Oliynykova are true, only that they have been made.

When Sabalenka was asked about the Ukrainian’s initial comments, following her second-round win on Wednesday, she reiterated her desire for peace.

“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.”

Asked if it was appropriate that she was called out individually by a rival player, she politely declined to respond.

Aryna Sabalenka wearing Gucci sunglasses in her press conference on Friday after announcing her collaboration with the fashion brand.Credit: George Salpigtidis / Tennis Australia  

“Listen, I’m here for tennis. It’s a tennis event, I’ve said enough in the past and I don’t want to talk politics,” she said.

Oliynykova lost to reigning champion Madison Keys in the first round of the Australian Open on Tuesday. She wore a T-shirt after her match drawing attention to her campaign to raise funds to fight the war in Ukraine.

Loading

“I think it’s very wrong that they are not disqualified in tennis like in other sports,” Oliynykova told this masthead.

“Because I know that here is the picture that we are, like all tennis girls playing, but the people don’t see the things behind it.

“And this is, you know, the people with money and power, and they are using this to support aggression against my country.

The Women’s Tennis Association and Aryna Sabalenka have been contacted for comment.

More to come

Most Viewed in Sport

Loading