French Open: Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus declared, “I don’t support the war,” after defeating Elina Svitolina of Ukraine in straight sets at Roland Garros on Tuesday to advance to the French Open semi-finals.
Since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine last year, Svitolina has refused to shake hands with players from Russia or Belarus, and she did so once more after losing to Sabalenka 6-4, 6-4.
While Sabalenka waited for Svitolina at the net, there were boos as she made her way back to the bench.
After winning, Sabalenka told reporters, “I don’t want my nation to be involved in any conflicts, and I don’t support the war.
“I oppose war, which entails that I oppose [Belarus President Alexander] Lukashenko.”
Svitolina observes a handshake rejection.
Following the game, Svitolina spoke with the media and defended her choice to not shake hands with Sabalenka.
Svitolina began by saying, “I don’t know, to be fair, what she was waiting for, because my statements were clear enough about the handshake,” before joking that she was “expecting” the jeers that followed.
Svitolina was questioned about whether Sabalenka’s decision to remain at the net rather than return to her bench was an attempt to escalate the issue.
“My first thought was, ‘What are you doing?’ because I was open about my viewpoint at all of my news conferences.
“Perhaps she doesn’t use social media during the competitions, but it is very obvious. I repeatedly stated that I don’t shake hands, and she played Marta [Kostyuk of Ukraine] in the first round as well. Thus, it’s quite easy.”
After missing her two previous news conferences last week, Sabalenka met the media for the first time after securing her place in the semi-finals, where she will play Czech star Karolina Muchova.
After being questioned about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the world No. 2 claimed her absence was due to mental health issues, adding that she did not feel secure at her press appearances.
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