Wimbledon organisers banned gamers from Russia and Belarus final 12 months resulting from Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. Belarus is a key staging space for the invasion, which Russia calls a “special military operation”.

Players from the 2 nations have been blocked from competing in British grasscourt occasions within the build-up to the key and Sabalenka — who’s taking part in in Adelaide this week earlier than the Australian Open — stated politics and sport mustn’t combine.

“This is really terrible because no one supports war – no one,” the 24-year-old Belarusian informed Melbourne’s Age newspaper. “The drawback is we’ve to talk loud about that… however why ought to we scream about that in each nook? It’s not going to assist in any respect.

“I’m simply actually disenchanted sport is in some way in politics. We’re simply athletes taking part in their sport. That’s it. We’re not about politics. If all of us may do one thing, we might, however we’ve zero management.

“They banned us from Wimbledon and what did it change? Nothing – they’re still doing this and this is the sad (part) of this situation.”

Sabalenka stated she was “super disappointed” with Wimbledon’s determination and that she skilled in Miami when the Grand Slam befell in June and July.

“I had a great time in Miami, but I really missed the people because the atmosphere at Wimbledon is super amazing. You can feel these people really love tennis there and I really miss them,” Sabalenka stated.

“I really hope I’ll play there (in 2023), just because of the people, to feel this atmosphere. But if they’re going to ban us again; I don’t care about Wimbledon’s decision. The only thing I’ll miss is the people.”