Belarusian Aryna Sabakenka, currently ranked number 2 in the world, overwhelmed Elina Svitolina in two sets in the quarterfinal of the French Open, 6-4 6-4.
After the match, Svitolina, who hails from Ukraine, refused to shake the hand of Sabalenka. Sabalenka waited behind the net for the usual post-match greeting, but Svitolina went straight to the umpire to shake his hand.
Aryna Sabalenka gets the better of Elina Svitolina to advance to the French Open semi-finals! 📈
— Eurosport (@eurosport) June 6, 2023
The two do not share a handshake at the net ❌#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/OR0SLzLJwZ
Belarus previously helped Russia during its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and continues to support the country's endeavors.
In the post-match press conference, Sabalenka distanced herself from her country's president and denounced the war.
"I'm not supporting the war. I don't support war, meaning I don't support [Alexander] Lukashenko right now," the 25-year-old Belarusian said.
The world number 2 mentioned that she is a tennis player first and foremost and that she doesn't want to be involved in any politics.
"I'm not expert in politics. I'm just a tennis player."
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Elina Svitolina Won't Shake Hands With Russians and Belarusians
The crowd subsequently booed Svitolina for her actions.
"I was expecting that. Whoever in this situation loses, I guess, gets booed, so I was expecting that. It was not a surprise for me," the 28-year-old said.
The Ukrainian previously stated the reasoning behind her refusal to shake hands with Russians and Belarusians amid the former's invasion of her home country.
To win this war, we Ukrainians remain UNITED. On the battlefield and on the tennis court 🇺🇦✊🏼 https://t.co/xH1GIMySWb
— Elina Monfils (@ElinaSvitolina) June 2, 2023
She tweeted that Ukrainians must remain united on the battlefield and the tennis court.
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