Aryna Sabalenka says she has faced ‘really tough’ locker room ‘hate’ following Russian invasion of Ukraine

Belarusian tennis player Aryna Sabalenka has said that she has suffered “hate” since Russia invaded Ukraine. Belarus is an ally of Russia, and has, along with Russia, seen its athletes banned from competing at some events, including Wimbledon. Ad Belarusian and Russian athletes have competed under neutral flags following the invasion.

WTA MiamiSwiatek on Miami Open withdrawal: 'It's the smart move for me'4 HOURS AGO Sabalenka, 24, said in an interview before the Miami Open that she has suffered hate since the invasion a year ago. «It was really tough to understand that there's so many people who hate me for no reason,» said Sabalenka. «I did nothing.» Sabalenka, who collected a first Grand Slam singles title at January’s Australia Open, added that some of the hate she has been the focus of has come from within the locker room.

«It was really tough for me because I've never faced that much hate in the locker room,» she added. WTA chief says body have 'done a lot' for Ukraine players after Swiatek criticism Ukraine's Kostyuk secures first WTA title with victory over Gracheva in Texas «There are a lot of haters on Instagram when you're losing matches, but in the locker room I've never faced that. »I had some — not like fights — but I had some weird conversations with — not the girls — but with members of their team.

It was tough. It was [a] tough period. “But now it's getting better." Sabalenka lost the Indian Wells final to Elena Rybakina — the player she beat in the Australian Open final — and is the No.

1 seed at the Miami Open after the withdrawal of Iga Swiatek. She will face Shelby Rogers in the second round. — — - Stream the 2023 French Open live on discovery+, the Eurosport app and at eurosport.com WTA MiamiSwiatek