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Several players at the Australian Open 2024 are participating without their national flags, including world No. 2 tennis player Aryna Sabalenka. The Sporting News provides an explanation regarding Sabalenka’s background and the absence of a flag next to her name.
Where is Aryna Sabalenka from?
Aryna Sabalenka, aged 25, was born in Minsk, the capital of Belarus. She has previously represented Belarus at international events.
Why are tennis players competing without flags?
For the third consecutive year, the Australian Open has imposed restrictions on Russian and Belarusian tennis players. While they are allowed to compete, they are not permitted to play under their respective national flags or use their countries’ names on their attire or in the broadcast.
Tennis Australia stated, “Players from Russia and Belarus are only able to compete in international tennis events as individuals – and without flags or country recognition – which will be the case for Australian Open 2023.” This decision is in solidarity with the international governing bodies of tennis, including the grand slams, the ATP and WTA Tours, and the ITF, who condemn Russia’s actions and its invasion of Ukraine.
Several prominent players, including Aryna Sabalenka, Daniil Medvedev, and Andrey Rublev, are participating in the tournament without displaying a national flag.
Aryna Sabalenka’s ranking
Aryna Sabalenka is currently ranked world No. 2 and is the second seed for the Australian Open 2024. In September 2023, she reached the pinnacle of her career, securing the world No. 1 ranking after a remarkable year. Sabalenka emerged victorious at the Australian Open and reached the final of the US Open. Additionally, she made it to the semi-finals at both the French Open and Wimbledon in 2023. The last time she fell short of at least reaching the semi-finals at a major tournament was during the 2022 French Open.
In conclusion, multiple players, including Aryna Sabalenka, are competing at the Australian Open 2024 without their national flags. This restriction is placed on Russian and Belarusian players, who are not permitted to play under their countries’ flags as a result of political tensions. Aryna Sabalenka, currently ranked world No. 2, has achieved significant success in recent years, including winning the Australian Open and reaching the final of the US Open..