Following Aryna Sabalenka’s semi-final clash at the Australian Open, her opponent Elina Svitolina chose not to shake hands with the women’s number 1 at the net.
Due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Belarusian international Sabalenka is only permitted to compete under a neutral flag at Grand Slams. She defeated her Ukrainian opponent Svitolina in the semi-final Down Under 6-2, 6-3, but it was what happened, or didn’t happen, after the game that has got many people talking.
Prior to the conclusion of the match-up, the organisers of the Australian Open revealed a message on the screens stating: “At the conclusion of the match, there will be no handshake between the players. We appreciate your respect for both athletes during and following the match.”
The decision not to shake hands was debated by many, and following her victory, Sabalenka was asked directly about Svitolina’s decision to snub the tradition.
What Sabalenka Has Said About Svitolina’s Decision
Sabalenka respected the decision from Svitolina, saying: “I’m not focusing on that, and they’ve been doing it for so long. It’s their decision, and I respect that. And I have time right now to respect her and {in the} on-court interview.
“I think that she knows I respect her as a player, I know she respects me as a player. That’s all I care [about.] But no handshake, it’s their decision. I respect that.”
Elina Svitolina Reacts to Australian Open Defeat
Despite facing defeat in the semi-final, Svitolina spoke highly of Sabalenka and her performance during the clash. The Ukrainian was not directly asked about her decision not to shake hands with her opponent, but she did reveal that she was choosing to feel positive in spite of a bruising defeat because of the circumstances in her home country.
“I feel like I should not be allowed to really be sad. I have a great position. Firstly, not just as a personal perspective, I have this amazing opportunity to play on the centre court here, represent my country, to do it in a decent way, to have an opportunity to use my voice and just be there for my people.
“When I wake up in the morning, I see, of course, terrifying news. But then I see people watching my matches. They write comments, and they’re really — I think it’s a big exchange of positive emotions, so I can not complain. The people are really living a horrible and terrible life in Ukraine, so I should not be allowed to really be sad because I am a very, very lucky person.”
As a result of her victory against Svitolina, Sabalenka became just the third woman to reach the singles final at the Australian Open in four consecutive years.
The world number 1 also has the opportunity to reclaim her crown and become a three-time Australian Open singles champion as she faces Kazakhstan international Elena Rybakina in the final on Saturday.
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