Belarusian Sabalenka must wait for flag to return in tennis

8 May 2026 • 8:50 PM MYT
DPA International
DPA International

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Image from: Belarusian Sabalenka must wait for flag to return in tennis
Belarusian tennis player Aryna Sabalenka gives an interview on the WTA Tour in Berlin. Hannes P Albert/dpa

Women's world tennis number one Aryna Sabalenka must wait for her Belarusian flag to return to the tour despite a decision by the International Olympic Committee to end the country's punishment for its involvement in the Ukraine war.

The International Tennis Federation announced on Friday that its rules banning Belarusian national symbols would remain until the third quarter of the year at least.

A big meeting in October will decide on the next steps.

Russia is still banned by the IOC from displaying its symbols in competition, with anti-doping problems also part of the reason for sporting sanctions.