Aryna Sabalenka Opposes War in Ukraine Following French Open Win: Svitolina Stands by Handshake Snub
Belarusian tennis player Aryna Sabalenka voices her stance against the war in Ukraine after her victory over Elina Svitolina in the French Open quarter-finals. Meanwhile, Svitolina stands firm on her decision to abstain from shaking hands with players from Russia and Belarus. This article discusses their statements and the ensuing reactions.
Sabalenka’s Anti-War Statement
Sabalenka, after defeating Svitolina in straight sets at Roland Garros, asserts her opposition to the war, stating that she does not want her country to be involved in any conflict. She further clarifies that her stand against the war also implies her lack of support for Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko.
Svitolina, known for refusing handshakes with players from Russia or Belarus due to Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, once again refrains from shaking Sabalenka’s hand. Boos accompany her return to the bench, as Sabalenka waits at the net for her opponent.
Sabalenka’s Post-Match Press Conference
During the press conference following her victory, Sabalenka shares her thoughts on the war and her country’s involvement. She emphasizes her desire for peace and expresses her dissent towards Lukashenko’s leadership.
Speaking to the media after the match, Svitolina defends her decision to abstain from the customary handshake. She expresses confusion regarding Sabalenka’s expectations, stating that her stance on the matter has been clear. Svitolina anticipates the negative reaction from the crowd.
Deliberate Provocation
Svitolina suggests that Sabalenka deliberately stood at the net instead of returning to her bench in an attempt to provoke a reaction. She questions Sabalenka’s awareness, highlighting her own previous statements regarding handshakes and mentioning Sabalenka’s match against Marta Kostyuk, another Ukrainian player.
Surprisingly, Sabalenka does not face any penalties from tennis authorities despite her absence from previous press conferences. Svitolina finds this puzzling and argues for equal treatment among players. She points out the contrasting treatment of Naomi Osaka, who was fined for skipping press conferences.
Aryna Sabalenka’s opposition to the war in Ukraine becomes a topic of discussion after her quarter-final victory in the French Open. Elina Svitolina’s refusal to shake hands with players from Russia and Belarus remains unchanged, as she stands by her decision. The contrasting views and actions of these two tennis stars spark debates about sportsmanship and the role of athletes in political conflicts.
