Aryna Sabalenka: "I didn't feel safe, It wasn't easy days"

JUNE 3, 2023 12:30

Aryna Sabalenka is showing a clear superiority in the three matches played so far at the Roland Garros 2023. She hasn't dropped a set yet, with the last match, the third round one, won with a double 6-2 against the Russian Rakhimovica.

No obstacles on French clay for the number two in the world ranking, who however is not experiencing a happy tournament. At the press conference, questions about the war in Ukraine followed one another and the one in the last one led the tennis player to make a decision.

She asked the tournament management to not have for her an open press conference, but to have only a few journalists. Her request was granted by the organization and it is the tennis player herself who explains why: "Yes, after my meeting I spoke to the media as I normally do. I know there are still some questions waiting for me that are more about politics and not so much about my tennis.

I have been answering these questions at tournaments for many months now and it was very clear to me. These questions don't bother me, I know I have to give answers to the media about things not related to my tennis or my matches, but I didn't feel safe at the press conference on Wednesday."

Aryna Sabalenka: "I didn't feel safe, It wasn't easy days"

Aryna then explained: "I should be able to feel safe doing interviews with reporters after my matches.

For my mental health and well-being, I have decided to step out of this whole situation today, and the tournament has supported me in this decision. It hasn't been an easy day, and now my goal is to continue playing well here in Paris." With political questions set aside, the theme turns to tennis and Aryna Sabalenka's game.

The number two in the second round moved up a level, as she admitted. She told: "Yes, I think I played much better than I played in previous games, and I'm super happy with that. It wasn't an easy match. Yes, I was doing my best at every point and I'm super happy with today's win," she said after her third-round success.

Less unforced errors and, yes, I was more focused and played with more discipline." Sabalenka in the round of 16 of Roland Garros the American Stephens.

Aryna Sabalenka has turned down a request to do a post-match press conference today: "For my own mental health and well-being, I have decided to take myself out of this situation today, and the tournament has supported me in this decision." #RolandGarros — Stuart Fraser (@stu_fraser) June 2, 2023