Elina Svitolina opened 2026 unbeaten and riding a wave of confidence. But her toughest test came against top seed Aryna Sabalenka in the Australian Open semifinal. On Thursday night, the Belarusian proved too strong, winning 6-2, 6-3 to move one step from a third Melbourne title in four years. Yet the real tension surfaced before the first ball, as Svitolina refused handshakes and photos. 

Chaos appeared even before a ball was struck at Rod Laver Arena. As the Australian Open women’s semifinal approached, tension between Elina Svitolina and Aryna Sabalenka was already clear, visible.

Moments before the match, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka stepped out for the traditional pre-match photo with the ball kid, following routine proceedings under bright lights inside the stadium arena.

Elina Svitolina did not join her for the photo. Later, when both players walked to the net, there was no handshake exchanged between the two rivals, noticed immediately by spectators.

The tension did not end with the pre-match moments. It carried straight into the contest. The atmosphere on the court felt tight and uneasy from the start.

Midway through the match, Aryna Sabalenka was pulled up by the umpire for hindrance. She was penalized for making a noise during a rally. The umpire ruled that the sound came in the middle of the point and not as part of her regular grunt.

Sabalenka was visibly frustrated by the call. She questioned the decision and asked for a video review. Play stopped briefly, and the delay only added to the charged mood inside Rod Laver Arena.

Even after the final point, the tension remained. A message appeared on the giant screen inside the stadium. It read, “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.”

Since the tension between Russia and Ukraine started, with Belarus involved in the conflict, these matchups have carried deeper meaning. For many Ukrainian players, the handshake has become a political and emotional symbol rather than a routine gesture.

Elina Svitolina has been one of the strongest voices on this issue. She has openly spoken about the emotional toll and the message she believes these actions represent. For her, the stance is consistent and deliberate.

Svitolina first drew widespread attention at the 2023 French Open. She refused to shake hands with Anna Blinkova and Aryna Sabalenka. She later stayed firm against Victoria Azarenka at Wimbledon.

Her position has not changed, even when nationality shifts are involved. At the 2024 Monterrey Open, she faced Elina Avanesyan, who switched nationality from Russia to Armenia. Svitolina still declined the handshake, saying the change was not enough to alter her stance.

At the current Australian Open, she avoided handshakes with Diana Shnaider and Mirra Andreeva. Respecting her wishes, Andreeva walked directly to her bench, drawing boos from some fans. 

And this was also not the first time players have skipped handshakes with Sabalenka, as similar scenes have unfolded before.

Marta Kostyuk refuses to shake hands with Aryna Sabalenka after the Brisbane final

Even before Elina Svitolina refused a handshake with Aryna Sabalenka, a similar incident occurred a few weeks earlier. Marta Kostyuk lost to the Belarusian in straight sets at the Brisbane International final.

Kostyuk has taken a clear stance of refusing to shake hands with any Russian or Belarusian player she faces. It is part of her personal protest.

Before the final, organisers confirmed there would be no joint photograph of the players. This was meant to avoid any doubt or controversy.

Top Stories

Who Is Elina Svitolina’s Husband Gael Monfils? Everything You Need to Know About Their Relationship

Who Is Jessica Pegula’s Husband Taylor Gahagen? All About the WTA Star’s Partner

Novak Djokovic Calls Out Reporter’s Disrespect After Bizarre Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner Question

Is Elena Rybakina Dating? All You Need To Know About WTA Star’s Boyfriend

Elina Svitolina’s Tactics Set to Test Aryna Sabalenka’s Firepower in Australian Open Semifinal

On court, after her defeat, the world No. 20 pointedly refused to acknowledge Sabalenka. She used her post-match interview to highlight the struggles of Ukrainians during a harsh winter.

“I want to say a few words about Ukraine,” Kostyuk said. “Play every day with a pain in my heart. There are thousands of people who are without light and warm water right now. It’s minus-20 degrees outside right now, so it’s very, very painful to live this reality every day. I was incredibly moved and happy to see so many Ukrainian fans and flags here this week … slava Ukraini.”

A similar scene occurred at the 2024 Australian Open. Lesia Tsurenko refused to shake hands with Sabalenka after a 6-0, 6-0 defeat.

“This is another reminder about the fact that there is a war in my country,” Tsurenko said after the match. “I do this for Ukraine. And I think this is the right thing.”

These gestures have become consistent statements from Ukrainian players. They send a message that transcends tennis.

On the court, Aryna Sabalenka continues her path toward the Australian Open final. After her loss to Madison Keys last year, fans now wonder if she can claim the title this season.