Aryna Sabalenka hopeful of Wimbledon return in 2023

Aryna Sabalenka didn’t take part in the 2022 Wimbledon Championships due to the ban on Russian and Belarusian players. However, she’s hoping that she will be permitted to play in 2023.

Sabalenka was one of those players affected by the ban at the 2022 Wimbledon Championships, which might have been one of the most controversial decisions in the history of the grass-court major.

On the recommendation of the UK government, the event banned Russian and Belarusian players from playing. It created a lot of issues for many athletes as well as a media storm.

The ban remained in place, and players from those countries did not play in the event. At the same time, the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) and the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) suffered heavy fines, and Wimbledon was stripped of the points.

It’s unlikely that they will do something similar this year despite indications that it might happen again. Sabalenka certainly hopes that it won’t happen again, as the Belarusian wants to play at the event.

She was dismissive last year when asked about it, probably due to being emotional due to the recency of the decision. It’s clear that the event means a lot to her, as she has been on record saying so in the past.

She also made the semi-final in 2021, so it’s an event where she generally does perform well and winning it would be a dream come true. Recently, she said that she would only wait out and see what happens in 2023.

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