French Open favourite Aryna Sabalenka skips press conference over safety concern

Alarm bells have sounded at the French Open after Belarusian star Aryna Sabalenka cancelled her media duties due to an ongoing question.

Aryna Sabalenka refused to do an official post-match press conference after powering into the last 16 of the French Open for the first time with a straight-sets win over Russia’s Kamilla Rakhimova.

The Belarusian claimed she “did not feel safe” facing the press following repeated questions about her country’s involvement in the war in Ukraine earlier in the tournament.

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Instead, she spoke to a small group of reporters off-camera and only took questions from an official, later releasing a statement which raises red flags in tennis circles.

“After my match I spoke with the media like I normally do. I know they still expect some questions that are more about the politics and not so much about my tennis,” she said.

“For many months now I have answered these questions at tournaments and been very clear in my feelings and my thoughts. These questions do not bother me after my matches.

“I know that I have to provide answers to the media on things not related to my tennis or my matches, but on Wednesday I did not feel safe in my press conference.

Belarus' Aryna Sabalenka in action during the French Open. (Photo by Emmanuel DUNAND / AFP)

Sabalenka (right) shakes hands with Russia's Kamilla Rakhimova. (Photo by JULIEN DE ROSA / AFP)

“I should be able to feel safe when I do interviews with the journalists after my matches. 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.

“It hasn’t been an easy few days and now my focus is continue to play well here in Paris.”

It continues a controversial year for Sabalenka, the world No.2 who won her first grand slam title at this year’s Australian Open.

In March, Sabalenka said she has “never faced that much hate in the locker room” after a defeat to Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina in the final at Indian Wells.

Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk was then booed off the court after refusing to shake hands with Sabalenka following their first round clash at Roland Garros.

Aryna Sabalenka will not be doing a post-match press conference today:

"For my own mental health & well-being, I decided to take myself out of this situation today, & the tournament has supported me in this. On Wednesday I didnt feel safe in press conference." pic.twitter.com/WirNH6TTqf

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) June 2, 2023

Sabalenka was asked about supporting Lukashenko when Belarusians were being tortured for protesting.

Reporter: “You signed a letter to support Lukashenko, when he was torturing protestants. How is it possible the potential #1 supports a dictator?”

Aryna: “I have no comments.” pic.twitter.com/FAAf2OBLEW

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) May 31, 2023

Everyone knows she's Belarusian. But ok, let's be clear. Belarus player Aryna #Sabalenka has openly shown her support for dictator Loukachenko.
Observe Sabalenka's gesture when Marta leaves the tennis court. pic.twitter.com/Mmlzxt5PHU

— 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐚 𝐊𝐎𝐌𝐒𝐀 | 🇪🇺🇫🇷🇵🇱🇺🇦 (@tweetforAnna) May 29, 2023

Now Sabalenka has spoken about her concerns speaking to the press, an incident that comes nearly exactly two years after former world No.1 Naomi Osaka refused to do press conferences at the same tournament.

Osaka ultimately withdrew from the 2021 French Open and then had an extended break from the sport due to anxiety and depression.

Second seed Sabalenka is yet to drop a set in this year’s tournament and it is not yet clear whether she will attend press conferences going forward.

Sabalenka is one of the favourites for the championship after a fine start to the year and will usurp Iga Swiatek as world No.1 if she lifts the title.

Sabalenka will face former US Open champion Sloane Stephens in the fourth round.

- With AFP