Jun 07, 2025 08:37 PM IST
The absence of Belarusian flag next to Aryna Sabalenka’s name at the French Open has drawn attention. Instead, a plain blue rectangle appeared in its place.
Aryna Sabalenka is currently facing Coco Gauff in the women’s singles final at the French Open, held at Roland Garros in Paris, France. The Belarusian claimed the opening set 7-6 after a tightly contested battle lasting an hour and 20 minutes. However, what drew significant attention wasn’t just her performance. It was the absence of the Belarusian flag next to her name. Instead, a plain blue rectangle appeared in its place. This marks the third consecutive year that players from Russia and Belarus have been prohibited from competing under their national flags at Grand Slam events, a policy that was implemented in response to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Belarus, a close ally of Putin-led Russia, remains subject to these sanctions.
Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka in action during the women’s singles final against Coco Gauff of the U.S. (REUTERS)
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