The world number 2, the Belarusian Aryna Sabalenkaspoke on court after defeating the Russian 6-2 and 6-2 Kamilla Rakhimova by 6-2 and 6-2, qualifying for the round of 16. He also did this in an internal interview that he facilitated at Roland Garros, but he refused to attend the post-match press conference, he did not submit to the questions from various media.
He argued that it was a measure in favor of his mental health, after a complicated appearance a few days ago because, as Belarusian, questions arose about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which his country supported.
His figure became more relevant because the Ukrainian Martha Kostyuk he refused to be greeted at their first meeting in Paris, prompting boos from the French crowd costume.
“For many months I have answered these (political) questions in contests and my feelings and thoughts are very clear. These questions do not bother me after my matches. I know that it is necessary I can give answers to the media about things not related to my tennis or my matches, but on Wednesday I was not safe at the press conference,” he said.
“I have to be safe when I do interviews with journalists after my matches. For my own mental health and well-being, I decided to leave here and the tournament supported me in this decision. It’s not yet a dawn, and now my focus is to continue to play well here in Paris”, he concluded.
On Wednesday, he had to face these consecutive questions: “I want to ask you two questions. First, it is about Belarus. In 2020 you signed a letter of support for Lukashenko, when he tortured and beat the protesters in the streets. And then you showed up at the new year’s party with him. How is it possible that the number one world power supports a dictator and…” Aryna replied: “I won’t comment, so thank you.” The journalist continued: “The second question is that you keep saying that no one supports the war. , no one, but can you speak for yourself and say: I, Aryna SabalenkaI strongly condemn the fact that Belarus is attacking Ukraine with missiles, and I want it to stop?” There was no comment from the tennis player.
The Ukrainian journalist insisted, the moderator stopped him: “He made it clear that he will not answer you.”
After two days, Aryna Sabalenka he prefers not to risk another interrogation like this, with the support of Roland Garros.
Two editions ago was the Japanese one Naomi Osaka asking for mental health. Under the threat of being suspended according to Grand Slam rules, he himself decided to withdraw before playing in the second round.
Sabalenka announced her decision as soon as the event cleared, giving her freedom for today and the competition that follows. He considers himself mistreated by certain countries because of his Belarusian nationality.
Source: La Verdad
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