Sabalenka Thinks Politics And Sport Mixing Is 'Really Sad' And Wants It To End
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Aryna Sabalenka has outlined her opposition to tennis and sports as a whole being involved in politics and hopes that dynamic changes in the future.
Sabalenka has enjoyed an incredible last 12 months. She won two Grand Slams, became the WTA year-end No. 1 for the first time, and began her 2025 season by winning the Brisbane International, overcoming Polina Kudermetova in the final.
The 26-year-old has achieved those successes while managing the consequences of being Belarusian. Her country's government has supported Russia since it illegally invaded Ukraine in February 2022.
That has led to Russian and Belarusian players on the ATP and WTA Tours playing under neutral banners since. There are no indications about that changing anytime soon, with the Ukraine war approaching its three-year anniversary.
A more severe consequence for Russian and Belarusian players was at the 2022 Wimbledon Championships when the tournament organizers controversially banned them from competing at the grass-court Grand Slam.
The ATP and WTA stood up for its players and responded by suspending ranking points for the iconic event, arguing that the ban was unfair since none of those banned had anything to do with starting the war in Ukraine.
Another example of politics and sports mixing was at last week's ASB Classic during Naomi Osaka's match against the Israeli player Lina Glushko, when some fans outside the stadium protested Israel's actions in Gaza.
Hamas, who were elected in Gaza many years ago but have been designated a terrorist organization by several countries, killed over 1,000 Israelis in an attack on the country on October 7th, 2023.
Although Hamas' actions were terrible, Israel's response, estimated to have killed over 45,000 people, has been criticized by numerous human rights organizations for breaking international law and leading to widespread suffering for civilians.
Sabalenka is not a fan of sports being used to give political opinions. The three-time Grand Slam champion, who spoke to Harper's Bazaar, thinks that situation is sad, and hopes the situation changes to become more neutral in the future.
"It is really sad to see that sports are involved in politics in many ways, because I feel like sport was created to avoid some of the more difficult times. I really hope that we’re not going to face it again. I think people will learn that sport has nothing to do with politics."
The world No. 1 also talked about the responsibilities higher-ranked players have. However, Sabalenka insists that she faces no pressure to take certain stances and decides what her values are.
"The higher you rank, the more responsibilities [you have]. At the end of the day, I decide what I stand for and there is no pressure for me … If I feel like standing for something, I will do it. I always am honest and true to myself."
Opinions differ on how much sports should be involved with politics, with some disagreeing with Sabalenka and thinking it can be a positive tool to shine a light on social justice issues. There are pros and cons to both positions.
