Why is Aryna Sabalenka Competing Without Country's Flag and Anthem at Australian Open 2026?

As Aryna Sabalenka progressed to her fourth consecutive Australian Open final on 29 January, many viewers noted a persistent detail on the tournament scoreboards: the absence of a national flag next to her name. Despite her status as the world’s top-ranked player, the 27-year-old is officially designated as a "neutral athlete." This status, which has been in place for several seasons, is the result of co-ordinated international sanctions that strip Russian and Belarusian players of their national symbols due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. No Handshake, Hindrance Call Controversy Dominates Aryna Sabalenka's Australian Open 2026 Final Entry. No Handshake, Hindrance Call Controversy Dominates Aryna Sabalenka's Australian Open 2026 Final Entry.

Why No Country for Aryna Sabalenka?

The policy was established in February 2022 following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia, supported by Belarus. In response, the governing bodies of tennis, the ITF, WTA, and ATP, suspended the national federations of both countries. While individual players were permitted to continue competing to avoid "punishing athletes for the actions of their governments," they were forbidden from doing so under their national identity.

For Sabalenka, who is Belarusian, this means her name appears in broadcast graphics and official draws with either a blank space or a neutral icon where the flag would typically be. If she were to win the title on Saturday, the Belarusian national anthem would not be played, and her country’s name would not be engraved on the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup.

Strict Protocols at Australian Open 2026

Tennis Australia has strictly enforced these neutrality rules at the Australian Open 2026. The policy extends beyond the players to the spectators; since 2023, Russian and Belarusian flags have been explicitly banned from the stands at Melbourne Park. This decision was reinforced following incidents where nationalistic displays led to disruptions during matches involving Ukrainian players. Who is Georgios Frangulis? Know All About Aryna Sabalenka's Boyfriend.

WTA CEO Steve Simon previously explained that while the tour supports these athletes as individuals. This meticulous adherence to neutrality even affects Sabalenka’s on-court apparel, which is designed to be devoid of any motifs or colours that could be identified as Belarusian national emblems.

Sabalenka has navigated this complex landscape with a focus on her professional career while expressing personal sorrow regarding the conflict. In past statements, she has noted that she feels like an "inspiration for the next generation" in her home country, regardless of the flag displayed on screen.

The intersection of sport and geopolitics was particularly visible during her semi-final against Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina. In addition to the "neutral" branding, the match followed a strict "no handshake" protocol, a decision communicated to the crowd via the stadium’s big screens before play began to manage expectations and maintain a professional environment.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 30, 2026 02:15 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).