In a story that continues to stir debate across the tennis world, world number one Aryna Sabalenka will have to keep waiting for her Belarusian flag to make a return to the tour. This comes despite a recent decision by the International Olympic Committee to lift the country's punishment linked to its involvement in the Ukraine war.

The International Tennis Federation (ITF) confirmed on Friday that its current rules, which ban Belarusian national symbols from all events, will remain firmly in place—at least until the third quarter of the year. For fans and players alike, this means no flag, no national colors, and no anthem for Sabalenka or her compatriots for the foreseeable future.

So, what comes next? The ITF has scheduled a major meeting in October to review the situation and determine the next steps. Until then, the status quo holds, leaving Sabalenka to compete under a neutral banner as she continues to dominate the women's game.

It's worth noting that Russia remains under a similar IOC ban, with its symbols barred from competition—though anti-doping issues add another layer to those sanctions. For now, the tennis world watches and waits, as politics and sport remain deeply intertwined on and off the court.