The diverging worlds of politics and sports have often crossed paths in the past. Tennis, too, is no exception. The most recent and prominent example of politics interfering with the customary paraphernalia of tennis is the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The issue has resulted in a string of handshake controversies involving players from the concerned countries. Famous Ukrainian tennis stars, including Elina Svitolina, still maintain their no-handshake policy with fellow players hailing from Russia or its ally, Belarus. In fact, most notable among the handshake snubbing incidents in the past few months is the one involving Svitolina and Belarusian WTA star Victoria Azarenka.

After much hullabaloo regarding their handshake fiasco at the Citi Open in Washington, DC last week, it remains a hot topic in the tennis world, much to the dismay of Victoria Azarenka. The Belarusian was yet again asked about the situation and the WTA’s involvement in it during a press meet at the ongoing Canadian Open, and here is what she had to say about it.

Victoria Azarenka reiterates her stance on the handshake fiasco at Canadian Open

The Belarusian tennis great lost to Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina in Round 1 of Washington’s Citi Open last week. Anticipating Svitolina’s usual handshake snub, the organizers announced that there would be no customary handshake before the start of the match. Reacting to this, Victoria Azarenka expressed her unapologetic nonchalance regarding the same as she emphasized the fact that the issue was being dragged on for far too long.

Echoing similar sentiments after her first-round victory against Magda Linette at the ongoing Canadian Open, Azarenka said in the post-match press conference, “So tired of talking about this.. So I would hope that finally, maybe, the statement will be to stop talking about this.. I feel like the very clear message is that it’s a personal choice of, you know, Ukrainian athletes to do that..”

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However, that said, she continued, “That’s not standard practice, that’s not something I’d be doing, but I’m not in a position to judge.. I respect somebody’s decision.. But it is not, umm, yeah, I don’t think it is standard practice in sports.. And as I said I don’t know how many times now, I will respect and accept the choice of the other player.” She further clarified that, though she respects the no-handshake policy of Ukrainian athletes, this is not ‘standard practice’ in the sporting world despite it being backed by the WTA.

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The Svitolina-Azarenka handshake controversy has grabbed eyeballs for a while now. It originated even before the Citi Open – during their Round of 16 Wimbledon encounter last month.

Azarenka-Svitolina handshake controversy: where it all started

In a highly-anticipated encounter, Victoria Azarenka and Elina Svitolina faced each other at Wimbledon in the Round of 16 stage. Svitolina edged past her Belarusian opponent 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (9) in what was an edge-of-the-seat nail-biter. However, the quality and thrill of the match were overshadowed by what ensued moments after the match.

Maintaining her political stance, Svitolina did not indulge in the customary handshake with Azarenka. Following this, the crowd started booing Azarenka as she exited the arena. The incident left a sour aftertaste in an otherwise epic match of tennis. 

The controversy was refueled when they faced each other yet again at the Citi Open last week. This is a burning example of the unfortunate aftereffects of politics interfering with the world of sports, which clearly puts athletes in uncomfortable situations.

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