Donald Trump sparks controversy with Aryna Sabalenka letter to Belarus president

Aryna Sabalenka got a surprise mention from Donald Trump in a controversial letter he wrote to Aleksandar Lukashenko, the president of Belarus. Sabalenka recently did her country proud by winning her fourth Grand Slam title at the US Open. She defeated Amanda Anisimova in straight sets to claim the honours in New York for the second successive year.

Trump did not attend the match but was in the stands the following day to watch Carlos Alcaraz beat Jannik Sinner in the men's final. He was aware of Sabalenka's triumph, though, and congratulated her in a written message to Lukashenko on Thursday. It was handed over by American presidential envoy John Coale during a meeting with Belarusian leaders in Minsk.

In his letter to Lukashenko, Trump wrote: "We are equally pleased to acknowledge Belarusian tennis player Aryna Sabalenka's tremendous win at the US Open in New York.

"She represents the very best of your country and we know you must be proud of her accomplishments.

"As you look forward to the coming year, we pray for your health and well-being as well as continued progress towards shared goals on behalf of the United States and Belarusian people."

Sabalenka took steps to distance herself from Lukashenko following the Russian invasion of Ukraine three years ago. Belarus is closely allied with Russia and is no longer recognised by the ATP or WTA, meaning Sabalenka must compete under a neutral flag.

Speaking at the French Open in 2023, she insisted that she did not agree with her country's involvement in the war.

"We played a lot of Fed Cups in Belarus and [Lukashenko] was in our matches taking pictures with us after the match," said Sabalenka.

"Nothing bad was happening that time in Belarus or in Ukraine or in Russia. I said it many times already, I'm not supporting war. I don't want my country to be involved in any conflict."

Sabalenka is expected to return to action at the upcoming China Open, which will take place later this month. She will be buoyed by the elation of winning back-to-back US Open titles when she takes to the court in Beijing.

Speaking after her victory over Anisimova in the final, the 27-year-old said: "This one felt different. It felt like I had to overcome a lot of things to get it.

"I knew that [because of] the hard work we put in, I deserved to have a Grand Slam title this season. When I fell [to the court], it was because it means a lot to defend this title and to bring such great tennis.

"To bring the fight and be able to handle my emotions the way I did in this final, it means a lot. I'm super proud right now of myself."

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