Arina SOBOLENKO: I am aware that I did nothing wrong with Ukraine

second racket in the world Arina SobolenkoWho truly loved Belarus’ self-proclaimed president Alexander Lukoshenko shared his view on the war Russia started on Ukrainian soil:

– You said that last year, after the Russian attack on Ukraine, you sometimes felt an atmosphere of hatred. Has that changed now or is it still the same weather?

– Of course, I feel a lot of weird looks towards me and possibly some people hate. But now I realize that I did not do anything bad to Ukraine and did nothing. There are people who don’t like me just because I was born in Belarus. This seems to be their decision and I have no control over it. Sure, it’s not the best feeling for people to hate you for basically doing nothing, but that’s how it is.

You said you have nothing to do with politics. But at the end of March, a speech was given by the leader of your country and he mentioned you several times in the context of politics. Could this somehow damage your image in the dressing room when communicating with other players?

“You mean you mentioned me in your speech?

– He remembered you in the sense that he talked about how you played in Miami, losing to Kirsta and the like. Given that this is a political situation, I wonder if these words will hurt you, for example your image with the other players in the locker room.

“I’m sure it won’t help. I don’t know what to say because he can comment on my game, comment on whatever he wants. Again, I have nothing to do with politics.

I’m just an athlete. Yes, I am from Belarus and I try to do my best in my sport. I’m just trying to focus on myself. What can I do if Ukrainians hate me more after his speech? If it’s better for them to hate me, I’d be happy to help them with that. They can. If I could stop the war, I would, but unfortunately it is not in my power and control. I’m trying to surf the web less so I don’t see anything like this. I want to focus on myself, my game and not get depressed because of this situation.