Since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, calls to ban Russian and Belarusian athletes from elite sport have intensified. Ukrainian star Elina Svitolina has long advocated for a full ban and refuses to shake hands with players from those nations. Now, Oleksandra Oliynykova has added her voice, demanding that Aryna Sabalenka be expelled from professional tennis.

At the post-match press conference, Oliynykova described feeling unsafe around certain players on tour. “Actually, I feel like I’m living alongside dangerous people. They hold dangerous beliefs. And their actions are dangerous.”

She then directly mentioned Aryna Sabalenka. “I’m talking, for example, about the world number one (Aryna Sabalenka).” Oliynykova referred to events in Belarus. “Did you know that she signed the list supporting Lukashenko in 2020?”

She explained the context of that claim. “During the protests in Belarus, when the streets were covered in bl**d because those who were demonstrating, defending democracy, and demanding fair elections were being repressed and beaten.” She added, “Well, she signed it and declared that Lukashenko was her president.”

Along with her earlier remarks, speaking to The Bounces, Oliynykova shared her strong stance. “I strongly believe [Russian and Belarusian players] should be disqualified, like in other sports.” She said. “I think it’s very sad that people are losing attention because this is a long w*r; of course, they are not doing research.”

She urged the public to look deeper. “If you research, you will find that many (Russian and Belarusian players) are supporting Putin or (Belarusian President Aleksandr) Lukashenko.” She hopes visibility will help her message. “Maybe now, when I get more attention, maybe people will hear it.”

She then spoke about personal impact. “Because of their opinions and the things they are doing, they are dangerous.” The consequences, she said, are real and close to home. “These players are one of the reasons why my apartment was shaking before I came here.”

On court, Oliynykova made her Grand Slam debut at the Australian Open. She pushed defending champion Madison Keys in a tight first set. She eventually lost 7-6(6), 6-1.

Oliynykova later spoke to Australian publication The Age. There, she repeated her call for action. “It’s very wrong that they are not disqualified in tennis like in other sports.”

And as Oliynykova shared her strong words, the focus also shifted to Sabalenka. The world number one was asked about the situation after reaching the third round of the Australian Open, and she then shared her side of the story.

Aryna Sabalenka remains focused despite harsh remarks from Oleksandra Oliynykova

A couple of hours ago, the two-time Australian Open champion faced the media after her second-round win in Melbourne. Aryna Sabalenka cruised past China’s Zhuoxuan Bai, ranked No. 702. She dropped just four games in a dominant 6-3, 6-1 victory to reach the third round.

Despite the win, Sabalenka avoided controversy. She chose not to engage with recent comments made by a Ukrainian player. The world No. 1 made it clear she did not want to revisit the political discussion.

“Well, I’ve spoken a lot about that before,” she said in her press conference. “Obviously, I want peace and if I could change anything, I would definitely do that. Other than that, I have nothing else to say. I just want to look ahead to the next round again.”

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The situation follows recent tension in Adelaide. After the Adelaide International final, Marta Kostyuk declined to shake hands with Sabalenka at the net. She also did not acknowledge her during the trophy ceremony.

Such gestures are usually standard in tennis. However, Kostyuk chose not to offer congratulations directly to Sabalenka. The moment sparked debate across the tennis world.

As protests and reactions continue online, attention has now shifted back to the Australian Open main draw. The tournament moves forward amid the backdrop of ongoing global tension.

With both sides having spoken, opinions remain divided. After hearing each perspective, what is your view on the situation?