Belarusian tennis star Aryna Sabalenka has skipped her post-match media conference at the French Open, citing mental health reasons, two days after she was asked to comment on the war in Ukraine, following her second-round win.
The tournament organisers have instead released an interview with the world No.2, conducted by a hand-picked group of reporters, in which she says she did not feel safe at her previous media conference.
Sabalenka was asked about Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and her country's role as a staging ground for Russian troops and weapons.
Sabalenka says her choice not to take part in Friday's media conference was supported by the French Open organisers.
"After my match [on Wednesday], I spoke with the media, like I normally do," she said. "I know they still expect some questions that are more about the politics and not so much about my tennis.
"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 the press conference," she said.
A French tennis federation spokesperson says Sabalenka will not be fined.
"It was to protect her," the spokesperson said, adding that whether she attends other press conferences would be her decision.
Sabalenka will play either American Sloane Stephens or Yulia Putintseva of Kazakhstan in the next round.
In 2021, former world No.1 Naomi Osaka of Japan was fined US$15,000 for skipping a post-match press conference at the French Open and threatened with tough sanctions by the board of the four Grand Slam tournaments.
She subsequently withdrew from the tournament, citing mental health concerns, and later said she had been battling depression and anxiety for years.
Reuters
