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Aryna Sabalenka once again spoke about the war between Russia and Ukraine at the press conference at the Internazionali d'Italia in Rome, during Media Day. A rather heavy outburst on the current conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which is also influencing her relationship with the entire WTA circuit and her colleagues.
The words expressed will certainly cause discussion: "Those who hated us before, if only for the country we come from, still hate us. This has not changed and I don't think it will change due to the current situation. I am happy that we are allowed to play, that the WTA is doing everything possible to handle this matter to the best of their ability.
I stopped thinking about it and began to focus on myself, I understand that I did no harm to Ukraine, it's not my fault, it's not the fault of Russian and Belarusian athletes. People expect something from us but we can't do anything, that's the sad thing about the situation."
Sabalenka is happy to return to Italy
She then added: "I'm very happy to be here, it's one of my favorite tournaments.
It's a beautiful city, so I'm happy and I hope I can do well in Rome." The main rival on the clay courts of the Foro Italico will be the Polish Iga Swiatek, on whom she declared: "I'm doing everything I can to get closer.
I don't mean closer to Iga, but closer to my dream. I've been working very hard these past few months, I'm trying to focus on every match, every tournament, that's what I really want to achieve. If all goes well, I can think at best of overcoming it." And on a possible comparison with champion Serena Williams: "I don't know, I don't see it that way.
I'm not thinking about that comparison or any other, I don't focus on these things. I'm just focusing on getting better every day as a player. This comparison is a little crazy, but it's nice to be really strong."
