Tennis fans have been surprised before Aryna Sabalenka and Elina Svitolina’s semi-final at the Australian Open when the two players took their traditional pre-match photo separately. That was before Australian Open officials announced the two would not shake hands after the match to avoid confusion in the crowd.
Sabalenka was far too good for her opponent Svitolina in the semi-final, after knocking her opponent off the court with some brutal groundstrokes. But before a ball was kicked, fans were surprised when Ukrainian Svitolina took a separate photo with Belarusian Sabalenka’s ball catcher.
Aryna Sabalenka and Elina Svitolina separately took their traditional pre-match photo with a young fan, while the Australian Open issued a rare warning that the pair would not shake hands after the semi-final. (Images: Channel Nine/Getty Images)
Svitolina does not shake hands with Russian or Belarusian opponents due to the ongoing conflict in her home country. The Ukrainian tennis star spoke about her country’s struggles and donated prize money to children caught up in the conflict.
And Svitolina and Sabalenka took separate photos with the young fan during the Australian Open pre-match tradition to avoid any problems. It was still a nice gesture for the young fan who was still able to pose with the two tennis superstars.
Following the decision not to take photos together, Australian Open officials also called for warning fans that opponents would not shake hands at the end of the match. The fact that Ukrainians do not shake hands with Russian or Belarusian opponents has not been unusual since the start of the conflict.
However, this warning is a fairly rare gesture in a tournament in the middle of a match. And tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg posted a photo of the warning with Aus Open officials clearly wanting to warn the crowd. This could be done to avoid confusion as to why there will be no handshake and to stop unwarranted reaction.
Elina Svitolina addresses the conflict in Ukraine
Svitolina was optimistic after the defeat and praised the home families who did their best as a source of inspiration. “I feel like I shouldn’t be allowed to be sad. I have this incredible opportunity to play on center court here, to represent my country, to do it in a decent way and to have the opportunity to use my words and just be there for my people,” she said during her press conference.
“I feel like the last few weeks have been very emotional for me. I can’t complain. People live a horrible and terrifying life in Ukraine. I shouldn’t be allowed to be really sad, because I’m a very lucky person.”
Elina Svitolina (pictured far left) and Aryna Sabalenka (pictured far right) both took photos with the fan separately at the Australian Open. (Images: Getty Images)
Aryna Sabalenka lifts the lid on handshake decision
Sabalenka addressed Svitolina’s decision to avoid a handshake and said she respected the decision. “I don’t focus on that. They’ve been doing it for so long, so… it’s their decision, and I respect that,” Sabalenka said after the match. “I think she knows I respect her as a player. I know she respects me as a player. That’s all that matters to me.”
Sabalenka will now face Elina Rybakina in the Australian Open final on Saturday. Rybakina also advanced after beating Jessica Pegula in straight sets.
Aryna Sabalenka (photo) has qualified for the Australian Open final.
(Robert Prangé via Getty Images)
