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Sabalenka hopes to compete under Belarus flag after IOC ruling

Aryna Sabalenka said Thursday that she hoped she would be able to play tennis under the Belarusian flag after the IOC lifted its ban on the country’s athletes competing in the Olympics.

World number one Sabalenka has had to compete under a neutral banner as a consequence of her country’s support for Russia following its ally’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Asked whether the women’s tour would drop the ban on her representing her country, Sabalenka said: “I really hope they’re going to give us our flag back.”

“I just know how much of an inspiration I am for young kids, I know that, and they send me messages, and I just want them to feel confident about no matter where you come from you can make it all the way to the top,” said Sabalenka at the Italian Open in Rome.

“For me representing such a small country, and the hard work that I had to do to get to the top, it’s just like, guys, it’s incredible, it’s a small country, and to make it all the way here, it means a lot to me.

“I would be super proud to represent Belarus.”

Sabalenka was speaking to reporters after sweeping aside Barbora Krejcikova 6-2, 6-3 at the Foro Italico, where she is aiming to win for the first time.

The 28-year-old is favourite to win in the Italian capital ahead of the French Open which kicks off later this month.

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