The Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka, considering herself mistreated by certain media because of her nationality, obtained “the authorization of the organization” of Roland-Garros not to participate in the press conference on Friday after her qualification for the 8th of final, we learned from the French Federation (FFT).
After qualifying for the round of 16 at Roland-Garros, Belarusian player Aryna Sabalenka received permission not to attend a press conference. The 25-year-old “will therefore not receive a fine” for not showing up after her victory against Russian Kamilla Rakhimova (82nd) 6-2, 6-2. Instead, a “pool of journalists” had access to the Belarusian and her answers were distributed to the rest of the press as a transcript.
The player refused to answer
After his victory in the second round in particular, a Ukrainian journalist asked him insistently questions about his relations with President Alexander Lukashenko, an ally of Moscow, and his position on the war in Ukraine. Under the fire of these questions, the player had refused to answer. “For months I have been answering these questions at all tournaments and I have been very clear about my feelings and opinions. I don’t mind these questions, I know I have to answer the media on matters that are unrelated in my tennis or in my matches. But, on Wednesday (after the second round, editor’s note), I did not feel safe”, she explained.
“I should be able to feel safe talking to journalists”
“But I should be able to feel safe talking to journalists after my matches. For my own mental health and well-being, I have decided not to put myself in this situation today (Friday, editor’s note) and the tournament supported my decision,” she added. “The last few days have been complicated and now I have to concentrate to play well,” concluded the world number two.