Arina Sabalenko is one of the big favorites for Roland Garros-2023, and the Belarusian will make her debut on the Paris soil under tension: in the opening round, she will meet with an athlete from Ukraine.

Aryna SabalenkoPhoto: Oscar J Barroso / Shutterstock Editorial / Profimedia

>> War in Ukraine, day 458. All events of Saturday, May 27 – LiveText on HotNews.ro.

Aryna Sabalenko and the fight with Marta Kostyuk: “It doesn’t matter if she hates me”

Sabalenko (2nd seed) will play against Marta Kostiuk in the first round. The Ukrainian, who is ranked 28th in the WTA ranking, is very critical of the WTA’s “too soft” response to Russia’s invasion of her country.

At the US Open 2022, Marta refused to shake the hand of the Belarusian Victoria Azarenka (ex-1st place WTA), and this could happen again after the match with Sabalenka.

“I try not to think about these negative things. After all, it’s none of my business. It doesn’t matter if he hates me! I can’t do anything about it. There will always be people who love me and people who hate me. If she hates me, it’s not mutual.

As for the lack of a handshake, I can understand that. It is difficult (for Ukrainians) to shake the hand of a Belarusian or a Russian. What message will that drive home?” – Aryna Sabalenko.

>> Aryna Sabalenko says that Ukrainian players still hate her: “Only one thing has changed”

The Australian Open champion reiterated that she would “end the war” if she had the power and said “sport should not be politicised”.

“We are just athletes. If it suits them not to shake my hand, so be it” – Aryna Sabalenko.

What you need to know about Roland Garros 2023

  • It will be the first time since 1998 that neither Roger Federer (retired) nor Rafael Nadal (injured after the Australian Open) will be on court in Paris.
  • Other notable absentees from this year’s edition of the main event in Paris include Nick Kyrgios, Andy Murray, Matteo Berrettini, Marin Cilic and Pablo Carreño Busta.
  • Simona Halep is also on the absentee list. Paris 2019 champion Simona is temporarily disqualified for doping.

Roland Garros 2023 (the second Grand Slam of the season) will be held from May 28 to June 11.

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>> Aryna Sabalenko, statements about the war in Ukraine and accusations against Lukashenka

>> Aryna Sabalenko reacted to the fact that Lukashenko set her as an example

>> Aryna Sabalenko and the message received after she spoke about the hatred directed at her in the WTA locker room​