‘It’s Not a Conflict Between Us’ – Belarusian Tennis Player Aryna Sabalenka Expresses Her Concern Over the Ongoing Russia-Ukraine Crisis

Belarusian player Aryna Sabalenka has come out in support of Ukraine amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis. World No. 3, set to compete against Italy’s Jasmine Paolini in the second round of the Indian Wells, recently expressed her thoughts on players wearing ribbons in the colors of the Ukrainian flag. Further, she also gave her views on the ongoing situation, along with opening up on her current relations with Ukrainian players.

Prior to the start of the Indian Wells, Sabalenka conveyed her stand on the matter saying that she feels bad for the people who lost their homes in the conflict. Concerned about the ongoing situation, Sabalenka went on, appealing for peace to everyone.

Sabalenka’s take on the Russia-Ukraine crisis

Speaking to the media, Sabalenka extended her support towards Ukraine, giving assurance that she will come forward and wear the ribbon. She further reasoned her decision saying that the people in Ukraine need their support. She said, “I can use it (ribbon). I don’t feel bad doing it. I feel like people need our support.”

She further expressed her concern for the people in Ukraine. She went on assuring them that everyone is worried about them. Additionally, she also emphasized on the need for peace. “I just hope they understand that we’re all really worried. I think even the word ‘sad’ isn’t even the right one. We all care about them and we all hope for the best and peace,” she said.

(Translated using Google Translate)

With the coming up of smartphones, anyone can access anything at any time around the world. Especially in situations such as these, phones, despite being a great source of communication. However, the content may be disturbing – mentally and emotionally, sometimes. Sabalenka is no different. World No. 3 confessed that she has been trying to avoid using her phone these days.
She said, “I’m trying not to look at my phone too much right now, because everything I see makes me very sad.” “Every time I pray for peace,” she added. (Translated using Google Translate)

Sabalenka comments on her relationship with the Ukrainian players

Rising above the current circumstances, Aryna asserted that she continues to have healthy and sound relations with her Ukrainian counterparts. However, she vowed that the happiness inside the play area has been missing since the start of the conflict.

“Every time I pray for peace.” “I don’t feel bad for the Ukrainian players. I still talk to everyone and we are still friends, but right now everyone is worried. There is no happiness inside the player area. Not like it used to be.” (Translated using Google Translate)

Even though the world is witnessing a dark spell between the two countries, that has not affected much in the tennis world. Aryna ended on a positive note saying, “It’s not a conflict between us.”(Translated using Google Translate)

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Aryna Sabalenka in Indian Wells

Sabalenka started her 2022 season on a lower note, suffering a 2nd round exit at the Adelaide International 1 and a 1st round exit at the Adelaide International 2. Even though she made a slight comeback at the Australian Open reaching the 4th round. She again experienced a downfall in Dubai, where she faced a 2nd round exit.

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She last played at the Qatar Open, reaching the quarterfinals. Entering the Indian Wells as the second seed, Aryna received a first-round bye. She is ready to take on Jasmine Paolini in the second round, to mark the beginning to her campaign.