Aryna Sabalenka opts out of French Open press conference, saying she ‘did not feel safe’ at last press conference | CNN

[ad_1] CNN  —  World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka did not participate in a customary post-match press conference after her third-round win at the French Open on Friday, saying she didn’t feel safe when participating in a press conference held earlier this week. On Wednesday, after winning in the second round of the tournament, the Belarusian…

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Novak Djokovic’s father poses with fan wearing pro-Russia ‘Z’ symbol | CNN

[ad_1] CNN  —  The Australian Open told CNN it has “briefed and reminded” players and their entourages about the tournament’s “policy regarding flags and symbols” on Thursday after video emerged on Wednesday of Novak Djokovic’s father, Srdjan, pictured at a demonstration with fans holding Russian flags, voicing his support for Russia. In a video posted…

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Belarusian tennis player Aryna Sabalenka found it tough to face ‘hate’ in locker room | CNN

[ad_1] Reuters  —  Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka said she struggled to understand the “hate” she encountered in the locker room amid strained relations between some players following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The world number two has previously said she has nothing against Ukrainian people and felt bad for them as Moscow’s action rages on. Belarus has…

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Wimbledon to allow Russian and Belarusian players to compete this year | CNN

[ad_1] CNN  —  Wimbledon will accept entries from Russian and Belarusian players for this year’s tournament if they agree to compete as neutral athletes and comply with “appropriate conditions,” organizers announced Friday in a statement. Tennis players from Russia and Belarus were banned from playing in last year’s championships following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, resulting…

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