Ukraine’s Oleksandra Oliynykova ‘Pressured’ by WTA to Not Expose Russian and Belarusian Players Supporting Vladimir Putin

Oleksandra Oliynykova also criticized Aryna Sabalenka for allegedly liking a pro-Vladimir Putin post.

Ukraine’s Oleksandra Oliynykova ‘Pressured’ by WTA to Not Expose Russian and Belarusian Players Supporting Vladimir Putin

Vladimir Putin, Oleksandra Oliynykova (Image via NBC News, X/HQ Pics)

In Short
  • Oleksandra Oliynykova claims the WTA is pressuring her to refrain from naming Russian and Belarusian players who support Putin.
  • She accused several players, including Aryna Sabalenka, of endorsing pro-Putin sentiments on social media.
  • Oliynykova continues to compete in tournaments while advocating for awareness of the war in Ukraine.

Oleksandra Oliynykova has been making frequent headlines since this year’s Australian Open, not much for her performance but for what she says off the court. The Ukrainian ace made her main draw Grand Slam debut in the Melbourne Slam and lost the first-round match to Madison Keys.

She entered the press room wearing a T-shirt bearing a message that asked for help to protect the Ukrainian women and children. Oliynykova has been posting lengthy messages on Instagram, accusing several Russian and Belarusian players of supporting Russian President Vladimir Putin and the war against Ukraine.

And because of this, Oliynykova claimed the WTA is pressuring her to stop naming players while making political statements. Oliynykova took to Instagram story to call out Russian-born Polina Kudermetova – who now represents Uzbekistan – for posting a pro-Russian war symbol, St. George Ribbon, on social media. She also called out Karen Khachanov.

In its modern meaning and context, this symbolism is equivalent to the Nazi swastika. This symbolism is publicly used by professional tennis players, including Polina Kudermetova and Karen Khachanov… Before my matches in Antalya and Charleston, I wanted to make a statement in order to draw attention to the fact that our sport provides a platform for publicity, money, and influence to people who openly demonstrate support for Putin’s regime in this way.

In an Instagram post, Oliynykova wrote that the WTA “threatened with fines of tens of thousands of dollars, with disqualification“. And she also sarcastically said that during tournaments, the WTA representatives would often “educate” her on how she should “stay silent”.

But from the very beginning, the WTA completely sided with Kudermetova. I was called into meetings and pressured not to mention Kudermetova’s name, despite the fact that referring to her use of this symbolism is simply stating a well-known and publicly visible fact.

Oleksandra Oliynykova added

Check out her posts here:

The 25-year-old is competing at the Italian Open and has already secured a spot in the second round after knocking out Petra Marcinko. The only time Oliynykova reached a semifinal this year was at the Winners Open, where eventual runner-up Emma Raducanu defeated her in three sets.

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Oleksandra Oliynykova slams Aryna Sabalenka

Oleksandra Oliynykova, in one of her Instagram posts, said several players, including Aryna Sabalenka, liked a pro-Vladimir Putin post on Instagram. That post was shared by Russian TV host Victoria Bonya, who called Putin a “strong politician.”

Aryna Sabalenka, Oleksandra Oliynykova
Aryna Sabalenka, Oleksandra Oliynykova (Image via X/HQ Pics, Ukrainian Tennis. BTU)

Liked by Sabalenka, Kudermetova, Gasanova, Khromacheva, Lansere & others. This is how war becomes acceptable. Not only with weapons. But with silence. With approval. With likes. This is how well-known people send a message to millions: you can go to another country, kill innocent people — and still be welcomed back. You will still be “one of us.” Your favorite athletes will support you. They will tell you: “Putin is a right leader to follow.”

Oleksandra Oliynykova wrote

Check out her posts here:

Sabalenka is also in Rome to chase her fourth title of the season after her wins at the Brisbane International, Indian Wells Open, and the Miami Open. The four-time Grand Slam singles champion will be up against 2024 Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova in the opening round in Rome.

Sabalenka has never won in the Italian capital, but she reached the final in 2024, losing to six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek. Before arriving in Rome, the 28-year-old suffered defeat at the hands of Hailey Baptiste in the quarterfinals of the Madrid Open, where she played as the defending champion.

After the Italian Open, Sabalenka will be bidding to win her career’s first French Open title. Last year, she lost the final to Coco Gauff.

Also read: Jasmine Paolini Addresses Fellow Players’ Roland Garros Boycott Threat over Prize Money: “We Are All United”