Aryna Sabalenka hoping to compete under Belarus flag after IOC ruling lifts Olympic ban

[p]World number one [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/sabalenka-aryna/vyhksgUB/"]Sabalenka[/a] has had to compete under a neutral banner as a consequence of her country's support for Russia following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022.[/p][p]Asked whether the women's tour would drop the ban on her representing her country, Sabalenka said: "I really hope they're going to give us our flag back."[/p][p][b]"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,"[/b] said Sabalenka at the Italian Open in Rome.[/p][embed guid="8e879ce5-4b13-4606-b31f-acaba977b603" url="https://x.com/TheTennisLetter/status/2052487321711415616" social-type="twitter" /][p]"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.[/p][p][b]"I would be super proud to represent Belarus."[/b][/p][p]Sabalenka was speaking to reporters after sweeping aside [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/krejcikova-barbora/2FyACZYi/"]Barbora Krejcikova[/a] [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/game/tennis/krejcikova-b-2FyACZYi/sabalenka-a-vyhksgUB/?mid=ANjfLQsB"]6-2, 6-3[/a] at the Foro Italico, where she is aiming to win for the first time.[/p][p]The 28-year-old is favourite to win in the Italian capital ahead of the French Open which kicks off later this month.[/p]