Archive · 21 Jan 2026
Ukrainian Player Calls for Ban on Belarusian, Russian Players
Oleksandra Oliynykova is a tennis player from Ukraine who played in the Australian Open.
She lost her first match to Madison Keys.
She wore a special shirt that said, 'I need your help to protect Ukrainian women and children, but I can’t talk about it here.'
Her father is a soldier in the Ukrainian army, and she is very proud of him.
She said it is unfair that players from Belarus and Russia are allowed to compete under a neutral flag while the war in Ukraine is still going on.
Another player from Belarus, Aryna Sabalenka, said she doesn't want to talk about politics and believes sports should be separate from politics.
Oleksandra Oliynykova lost to Madison Keys in the first round of the Australian Open 2026.
Oliynykova called for the ban of Belarusian and Russian players from tennis, citing the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict.
Oliynykova wore a shirt with a message supporting Ukrainian women and children, but Grand Slam guidelines prevent political statements during matches.
Aryna Sabalenka, a Belarusian player, reiterated her stance that sports should be separate from politics.
Oliynykova's unique playing style and temporary tattoos made her stand out, and her father, a Ukrainian army soldier, is her biggest supporter and motivation.
- Who
- Oleksandra Oliynykova, a Ukrainian tennis player, and Aryna Sabalenka, a Belarusian tennis player.
- What
- Oliynykova called for the ban of Belarusian and Russian players from tennis, while Sabalenka reiterated her stance against mixing sports and politics.
- When
- The statements were made on Tuesday and Wednesday during the Australian Open 2026.
- Where
- The Australian Open 2026, held at Rod Laver Arena.
- Why
- Oliynykova believes it is unfair for Belarusian and Russian players to compete under a neutral flag while the Ukraine-Russia conflict continues.
- Player
- Oleksandra Oliynykova
- Opponent
- Madison Keys
- Match Result
- Oliynykova lost 7-6 (6), 6-1
- Player's Rank
- 92nd
- Player's Father
- Ukrainian army soldier
- Player's Unique Style
- Unconventional shots and temporary tattoos
- Grand Slam Guidelines
- Deter players from political statements
- Belarusian Player
- Aryna Sabalenka
- Sabalenka's Stance
- Sport is nothing to do with politics
