New Delhi, Jan. 29 -- Aryna Sabalenka is going to play against Elina Svitolina in the Australian Open 2026 Women's Singles semi-final today. If she wins, it will be her 4th consecutive Australian Open final. However, for now, the world's number 1 remains a player with no country. Here's why.

For tennis scores, the country flag is typically there for all players. But, if you look closely, you won't find any flag against Aryna Sabalenka's name. She is officially classified as a neutral athlete.

This status applies to players from Belarus and Russia, who have been facing international sanctions linked to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

After Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, major tennis bodies such as the ITF, WTA and ATP suspended nati...