“That’s like me liking Novak Djokovic post is me supporting anti vax” – Fans slam alleged targeting of Aryna Sabalenka amid Russia-Ukraine war

Despite facing social media scrutiny for liking Nastassia Mironchyk-Ivanova’s posts, Belarusian tennis player Aryna Sabalenka received overwhelming support from fans. Mironchyk-Ivanova, a long jumper from Belarus, has been accused of showing support for Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.

A Ukrainian sports page recently shared a social media post criticizing the current Australian Open champion for liking more than ten of Mironchyk-Ivanova’s posts. The post mentioned the long jumper’s suspected connection to Alexander Lukashenko, the president of Belarus, and also discussed Sabalenka’s endorsement of Mironchyk-Ivanova’s post promoting a Belarusian TV channel.

Despite the criticism directed towards Sabalenka, fans were not in favor of it. One fan even pleaded with the WTA World No. 2’s critics to stop targeting her.

“You people need to get a life and leave Sabalenka alone,”the fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Another supporter argued that Sabalenka’s decision to like Mironchyk-Ivanova’s post was not influenced by politics or war. They stated that condemning Sabalenka for liking a post from Mironchyk-Ivanova is similar to accusing someone of being ‘anti-vax’ simply for liking a tennis-related post from Novak Djokovic.

“She liked a photo of a lady looking good in a dress. Saying that she supports someone who supports the war is wild. That’s like saying me liking a Djokovic post on tennis = me supporting anti vax..,”the fan commented.

Additionally, a fan defended Sabalenka by pointing out that none of the posts liked by the current Australian Open champion, Mironchyk-Ivanova, are related to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

“These posts aren’t even talking about the war or politics… I mean should she refuse to interact or center her mind into anything that comes from Russia/Belarus for them to be happy? They’re so desperate to find anything to justify their racist-fueled hatred towards her,”the fan wrote.

Further responses from tennis fans are included below:

Aryna Sabalenka addresses political tensions at the 2023 French Open

Despite the 2023 French Open taking place, Sabalenka continued to remain silent on the topic of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This lack of response was interpreted by many as a sign of support for Russia’s aggressive actions. In addition, some critics went as far as accusing her of standing behind Lukashenko, as he is widely recognized as a strong ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Despite her quarterfinal victory over Elina Svitolina at Roland Garros last year, the Belarusian made her stance clear on the Russia-Ukraine war. Sabalenka stated that she has no intention of involving Belarus in any conflict and reiterated that she does not support Lukashenko due to her disapproval of war.

“I don’t want my country to be in any conflict, I don’t support the war. I don’t support war, meaning I don’t support (Belarus President) Alexander Lukashenko right now,”Sabalenka said (via Reuters).

The Belarusian’s 2023 French Open journey reached its conclusion in the semifinals when she was unexpectedly defeated by Karolina Muchova.