Sabalenka added to the "Myrotvorets" database following scandal at match with Ukrainian Svitolina
A Ukrainian website has accused the Belarusian tennis player of inciting hostility and supporting Russian aggression. The trigger was a video of her emotional reaction during a match against Elina Svitolina. Sabalenka herself stated that her words were addressed to spectators who were aggressively celebrating her mistakes, and apologized.
Aryna Sabalenka. Photo: AP Photo / Yuki Iwamura
Aryna Sabalenka's profile appeared on the "Myrotvorets" website on the evening of November 14. Its authors accuse the tennis player of "inciting interethnic and interfaith hostility," "participating in acts of humanitarian aggression against Ukraine," and "publicly supporting Russian aggression and the killing of Ukrainian citizens."
As justification, they cite a video from Sabalenka's match against Ukrainian Elina Svitolina at the WTA Finals. The Belarusian lost with a score of 3:6, 6:3, 1:6.
After an unsuccessful rally, Sabalenka reacted emotionally. Her voice was not audible on the broadcast, but users attempted to read an obscene phrase from her lip movements. It was perceived as an insult directed at her Ukrainian opponent.
Sabalenka later posted an explanation on Instagram.
"My comment was not addressed to Elina. I was angered by a small group of spectators who were aggressively celebrating my mistakes, and at that moment I reacted emotionally," the tennis player wrote.
She admitted that she should have handled her frustration differently.
"I apologize to everyone I offended. Elina played a great match, and I wish her all the best in the remainder of the tournament," Sabalenka added.
The "Myrotvorets" profile also mentions Sabalenka's signature on a pro-government appeal by Belarusian athletes in 2020 and her presence at the recording of Lukashenka's New Year's address at the end of that same year.
"Myrotvorets" is a Ukrainian non-governmental project founded in 2014. It publishes information about individuals it considers involved in actions against the national security of Ukraine. Inclusion in this database does not in itself imply the initiation of a criminal case.