The IOC is changing its position, but not the ITF. Thursday, the International Olympic Committee announced that he no longer recommended no restrictions on the participation of Belarusian athletesThe International Tennis Federation reacted and confirmed that the IOC's announcement does not in any way change its current position regarding the suspensions of the tennis federations of Belarus and Russiawhich remain in force ».
ITF statement on Belarus and Russian Tennis Federations:
— ITF Media (@ITFMedia) May 8, 2026
"The International Tennis Federation confirms that the IOC's announcement does not change its existing position regarding the Belarus and Russian Tennis Federations' suspensions which remain in place.
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« The status of the Belarusian Tennis Federation will be examined during the ITF annual general meeting in October by the voting member nations of the ITF, in accordance with the ITF's statutory procedure "The organization specifies. Following the IOC's announcement, world number 1 Aryna Sabalenka expressed his wish to be able to play again under his flag, which no longer appears next to his name.
« I really hope they give us back our flagshe said on the sidelines of the Rome tournament. For me, representing such a small country, and all the work I had to put in to get to the top, is incredible. (…) I know how much of an inspiration I am to young children, I know it, and they send me messages, and I just want them to feel confident that no matter where you come from, you can reach the top. »
