Why Aryyna Sabalenka without the Belo Russia flag during the French Open Women's Final against Coco Gauff | have played mint

Aryna Sabalenka, one of the leading names in the tennis of women, is missing the attention of the French Open of this year, not only for her powerful actions, but also for what is missing from her name – the Belo -Russian flag. During her last match against American Coco GAUFF at Roland Garros, Sabalenka took the opening set 7-6 to a tense battle that lasted more than an hour. But viewers of the eagle eye noted that instead of the red-and-green Belo-Russian flag, an ordinary blue rectangle appears next to her name on the scoreboard. Why did the Belo -Russian flag be missing next to her name? This is not a one -time incident. It is part of a policy now in the third year. Since 2022, players from Russia and Belo -Rusland have been banned from competing under their national flags during all Grand Slam events. The rule came into effect after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with Belo Russia considered an important supporter of the conflict. In a statement made in March 2022, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) said: “The International Tennis Federation (ITF) condemns Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and its facilitation by Belo -Rusland.” As a result, the Russian and the Belo-Russian tennis federations were suspended from the ITF membership and participation in all ITF-organized tournaments. Aryna Sabalenka’s flag was not displayed next to her name in the semi -final. Before the ban, Sabalenka always played under the Belo -Russian flag. Like her fellow athletes from the region, she continues as a neutral player – a move intended to reflect the sport’s attitude about the war without directly punishing individuals. The absence of a flag may look like a small symbol, but to many look, it serves as a reminder of the broader geopolitical tension that affects international sport. Coco Gauff won her first French Open Singles title with a comeback victory over the world number one aryna sabalenka in a dramatic final. The US second seed fought through challenging conditions to seal a 6-7 (5-7) victory, 6-2, 6-4 and overcome a tense opening setup to take control of the match. This is the second Grand Slam Singles title of GAFF, after her US Open victory in 2023 -where she also defeated Sabalenka in the final.