Aryna Sabalenka has reiterated her desire for peace, after Ukrainian player Oleksandra Oliynykova took aim at the women’s world No.1 for the second time this week.
Oliynykova, the player who hit out at Sabalenka and other Belarusian and Russian players earlier this week, claiming they should be banned by the sport because of their countries of origin, criticised Sabalenka again overnight after fashion house Gucci announced their collaboration with her this week.
Sabalenka blows a kiss to fans after her victory earlier today.Credit: AP
The Ukrainian world No.92 took to social media to comment on the announcement just before Sabalenka’s fourth-round match on Sunday.
“A supporter of a bloody dictator becomes an ambassador for a top brand … what is wrong with this world,” Oliynykova posted on her Instagram story.
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“And at what point did people start valuing powerful serves and forehands over ruined lives?”
Sabalenka reinforced earlier comments she had made at the tournament, that she wanted peace, following her straight-sets victory over Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko.
“I respect that everyone is allowed to have their opinion and use their platforms,” she said.
“I’ve been clear before that I’m pro-peace. Nothing hasn’t changed. That’s all I can say about that.”
Belarusian Sabalenka has previously repeatedly said that she didn’t support the Russian invasion of Ukraine or Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, and that she only wanted peace in Ukraine.
This masthead is not suggesting Oliynykova’s claims are true, only that they have been made.