Player Statements

Ukrainian tennis player demands ban on Russian and Belarusian stars

January 21, 2026 Iniulat ng AI Larawang ginawa ng AI

At the 2026 Australian Open, Ukrainian player Oleksandra Oliynykova has accused top Russian and Belarusian tennis players of supporting their leaders amid the war in Ukraine, calling for their exclusion from the sport. She specifically targeted world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, Daniil Medvedev, and Diana Shnaider for alleged ties to state activities. The comments have sparked responses from the players involved, highlighting ongoing tensions in tennis.