Aryna Sabalenka: ‘I Really Hope They Give Us Our Flag Back’

Aryna Sabalenka calls for return of Belarus flag in tennis

The 28-year-old made the comments after beating Barbora Krejcikova 6-2, 6-3 in Rome.

The WTA has not yet said if it will reinstate Belarusian flags for players...

Aryna Sabalenka said on Thursday that she’s hoping to represent Belarus again after the IOC ended its ban on Belarusian athletes competing at the Olympics under their national flag.  

The world No. 1 has been forced to play as a neutral athlete since 2022, when Belarus was penalized for its support of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

When asked if the WTA would now allow her to compete under her country’s flag, Sabalenka replied: “I really hope they’re going to give us our flag back.”

“I just know how much of an inspiration I am for young kids, I know that, and they send me messages, and I just want them to feel confident about no matter where you come from you can make it all the way to the top,” said Sabalenka at the Italian Open in Rome.

“For me representing such a small country, and the hard work that I had to do to get to the top, it's just like, guys, it's incredible, it's a small country, and to make it all the way here, it means a lot to me.

“I would be super proud to represent Belarus.”

Sabalenka made the comments after beating Barbora Krejcikova 6-2, 6-3 at the Foro Italico, where she’s chasing her first title in Rome.

Sabalenka d. Barbora Krejcikova 6-2 6-3 in Rome

Aryna knocks out the 2-time Grand Slam Champion.

She’s now won 27 of her last 29 matches.

Showing world #1 consistency all season long.

✅27th win of 2026

Striking the ball as ferociously as ever.

Look out. 🐅 pic.twitter.com/395jBK88ge

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) May 7, 2026

The 28-year-old heads into the Italian Open as the favorite, with the French Open set to start later this month.