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Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka faced 'hate' in locker room over Russian invasion of Ukraine

Belarusian world number two Aryna Sabalenka says she has faced "hate" in the locker room over her country's role in Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The Australian Open champion also said she has had "weird conversations" with members of player's teams.

Belarus is an ally of Russia and allowed troops to use its territory to launch the invasion last year.

"It was really tough to understand that there's so many people who hate me for no reason," said Sabalenka, 24.

"I did nothing."

Players from both countries have been classified as neutral athletes since the start of the conflict and were banned from last year's Wimbledon.