The world’s first racket Arina Sabalenko He responded to Ukraine’s accusations at the press conference Alexandra Oleynikova In support of Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukoshenko:

– Ukrainian tennis player Alexandra Oleynikova mentioned you and several Russian players, saying that you support their governments, and called for a ban on the participation of Russian and top Russian players. I just wanted to give you a chance to answer this.

– Actually, I’ve talked about this a lot before. Of course I want peace and if I could change something I would definitely do it. Other than that, I don’t have anything else to say.

– As a follow-up to the previous question, I respect your wish not to comment on politics, but do you consider Oleynikova’s comments yesterday, in which she personally mentioned you, as unfair? Do you want politics to stay out of tennis?

– Look, I’m here for tennis. This is a tennis event and I’ve said enough in the past and I don’t want to talk politics here.

Russian tennis player and 23rd seed at Australian Open 2026 Diana Schneider He responded to the accusations at the press conference Alexandra Oleynikova Why St. Petersburg to support Putin? He explains that he went to St. Petersburg:

– Yesterday, Ukrainian tennis player Alexandra Oleynikova condemned Russian players who participated in exhibition matches sponsored by Gazprom, a major Russian oil company with ties to the war in Ukraine. What is your answer to this? Do you plan to participate in other tournaments with their sponsors?

– You know, we are on Tour all year and I rarely see my family, so I go to St. My only motivation for playing in St. Petersburg is just to visit my family, to show great tennis to my fans who follow us, cheer for us and support us all year round, and if I get such an opportunity I will take it.

– He also talked about your interview in which you talked about your desire to meet Putin and seemed to be seizing the opportunity. You [также] He received an award together with Mirra [Андреевой]. I also want to give you the opportunity to answer this.

– Yeah, I honestly have no idea what he said. I don’t know him at all. I don’t think he knows me either. But Mirra and I had a great year together. And I think just winning a silver medal at the Olympic Games is an incredible achievement. This is everything. I don’t know, I have nothing to comment.

– What do you think about the player making such loud statements in the context of the tournament?

“I didn’t see how you explained it” And frankly I don’t know what you mean. Personally, I’m just here to play tennis, do my job, play great tennis, enjoy the crowd, enjoy the atmosphere, the first Grand Slam of the year. That’s why I’m here; Win as many matches as possible and play great tennis.

Ukraine’s first player, Elina Svitolina, will face Schneider in the 3rd round of the Australian Open.