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Ukrainian Player Calls for Ban on Belarusian, Russian Athletes

1/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

Oleksandra Oliynykova, a Ukrainian player, urged banning Aryna Sabalenka and other Belarusian and Russian players from the sport due to their origins.
She condemned Aryna Sabalenka's collaboration with Gucci, noting Sabalenka's claims of not supporting the Russian invasion.
Oliynykova said the presence of these players at tournaments is "very wrong," though they compete without national flags.
Aryna Sabalenka is scheduled to play Canadian Victoria Mboko in the fourth round.

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Story summary

Oleksandra Oliynykova, a Ukrainian player, urged banning Aryna Sabalenka and other Belarusian and Russian players from the sport due to their origins.
She condemned Aryna Sabalenka's collaboration with Gucci, noting Sabalenka's claims of not supporting the Russian invasion.
Oliynykova said the presence of these players at tournaments is "very wrong," though they compete without national flags.
Aryna Sabalenka is scheduled to play Canadian Victoria Mboko in the fourth round.