Elina Svitolina and Victoria Azarenka probably produced the best match of the Wimbledon Championships so far. Svitolina had to sweat it out in a thrilling three-setter before finally coming through 2-6,6-4,7-6. The former world no.3 has taken down some big names in this tournament. They include the legendary veteran Venus Williams and the 2021 Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin. But the real test lies in the quarter-finals against the world no.1 Iga Swiatek. The Polish superstar saved 2 match points against Belinda Bencic in the 4th round and seems to be in form.

In Svitolina’s match against Azarenka, there was some controversy. The former had announced beforehand that she wouldn’t be shaking the hands of any Belarusian or Russian players because of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and Belarus’ support of it. Knowing this, Azarenka didn’t wait to shake hands with Svitolina at the net. The crowd, unaware of this, started booing Azarenka.

Elina Svitolina’s request to the tennis organizations

It would have been so disheartening for Victoria Azarenka, especially after such a narrow loss, to be at the receiving end of such behavior from the crowd. The crowd was clearly not informed about the situation. This has prompted Svitolina to request the tennis organizations to come out with a statement that there will be no handshake between the Ukrainian players and the Russian and Belarusian players. The Tennis Letter posted Elina Svitolina’s interview on their Twitter account. The tweet read, “I think tennis organizations have to come out with a statement that there will be no handshake between Russian & Belarusian & Ukrainians. I don’t know if it’s not clear for people. I think this is the right way”.

So far, none of the tennis organizations have come forward and acted on Svitolina’s suggestion.

The onus is on the WTA

Organizations like the WTA have to ensure that the people are aware that there is no hostility between players per se, but that it is because of the countries’ situation that they are acting in this manner. Their silence will only damage the image of tennis as a less controversial sport. Thus, it’s high time that tennis organizations like the WTA step in, accept responsibility, and give solutions. Elina Svitolina’s suggestion seems wise and it will be interesting to see how things pan out in the days to come when Russian or Belarusian players take on Ukrainians.

Read more: ‘I Want to See My Grandmother’ – Amid Difficult Ukraine Situation, 28YO Elina Svitolina Makes Heart-Breaking Revelation About Her Family

Svitolina’s next opponent, Iga Swiatek, is a supporter of Ukraine in the war against Russia. On numerous occasions, the latter has conveyed that Poland is also concerned and that what Russia does to Ukraine affects Poland as well. But we can expect her to not go easy on her Ukrainian opponent Svitolina when they meet in the quarter-final. Svitolina can probably beat her, but Swiatek won’t give it to her on a silver platter. She’ll have to work really hard to beat Swiatek.

Even when the crowd booed Azarenka, it was clear that both players had tremendous respect for each other. After the match was over, Azarenka raised her arm as a sign of respect for Svitolina and Svitolina raised her racquet out of respect as well.

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