Aryna Sabalenka, the Belarusian tennis player, has been competing at the Australian Open without her nation's flag due to a ban on Russian and Belarusian flags. The ban is a result of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. The tournament's neutral flag, which is used for Russian and Belarusian players, is now blue instead of white. Sabalenka expressed her disappointment at not being able to represent her country but stated that she would be happy if the flag is brought back. The Australian Open has faced criticism for allowing pro-Palestine messages to be displayed at the event, despite banning political displays.