Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko says he “does not mind” Aryna Sabalenka or any other Belarusian athlete stating that they are against the war. Sabalenka, ranked at No 2 in the women’s game, last month stated that she is “for peace all over the world.” In his message, Belarusian President Lukashenko suggested that he is also against the war but that the West is the one pushing for it.
“Look, I’m against the war. You are against the war too. Well, do you want to receive a statement from an athlete that he is against the war? I don’t mind it. Let them say that they are against the war,” Lukashenko said.
ð¤·âï¸ Belarus dictator Lukashenko in his address to the nation & parlament, was asked about the Olympics:
– he doesn’t mind an anti-war statement
– also talked about tennis & Sabalenka
– “no flag” won’t affect the level of pride
– he & Putin will prove they’re not the aggressors pic.twitter.com/rW8uhvohck — Ukrainian Tennis • BTU (@ukrtennis_eng) April 1, 2023
Lukashenko proud of Sabalenka: ‘No flag’ doesn’t impact us
Earlier this year, Sabalenka became a Grand Slam champion after beating Elena Rybakina in the Australian Open final.
During the Sunshine Double, Sabalenka ended as runner-up to Rybakina in the Indian Wells final before losing to Sorana Cirstea in the Miami quarterfinal. Sabalenka has been competing as a neutral on the WTA Tour since 2022 March.
But Belarusian President Lukashenko suggests that is not a problem at all since everyone knows which country Sabalenka represents. “But if our athlete, for example, Nedosekov, you know, a high jumper, if he comes out and performs and, at the moment, he doesn’t have our flag, will we feel less pride for him, or what? Or Aryna Sabalenka.
She won the tournament (Australian Open), she defeated, Rybakina, remember? Recently she lost to Rybakina (in the Indian Wells) final, yesterday in the quarterfinal she lost to someone, in Miami or wherever they are. We all know this!
That well done, Sabalenka, that she won. And why did you lose? Six double faults in the last match, barely put the ball into the court. I will figure it out with her,” Lukashenko said.
