Sabalenka sets sights on Wimbledon after taking spotlight off politics

Aryna Sabalenka can expect plenty of attention on her return to Wimbledon after her initial refusal at the French Open to speak about Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the Belarusian will need to block out the noise for another tilt at a Grand Slam title.

The grasscourt major will welcome back players from Russia and Belarus this year after reversing a 2022 ban on them due to Moscow's actions in Ukraine - which it describes as a "special military operation" - for which Belarus is a key staging area.

Tensions between athletes have been high since the war began and the effects have been felt on the tennis circuits where Russians and Belarusians compete as neutral athletes.

After skipping two press conferences in Paris citing mental health reasons following questions from the media about Russia's actions, Sabalenka finally said she did not support the war and distanced herself from Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko.

"I don't want sport to be involved in politics, because I'm just a 25-year-old tennis player. If I'd like to be political I wouldn't be here," Sabalenka said following her quarter-final victory over Ukraine's Elina Svitolina.

"You have my position. You have my answer. I've answered it many times. I'm not supporting the war."

The world number two had previously said she had nothing against Ukrainian people and struggled to understand the hate she encountered in the locker room at times. Sabalenka will hope her clear stance will ease some of the pressure on her.

Away from politics and strained relations between players, the big-hitting Sabalenka's upward trajectory this year has been nothing short of spectacular and a fitting reward for improved consistency and mental toughness on the court.

After a title run in