‘I’m Not Escaping’- 28-Year-Old Elina Svitolina Claps Back at Her Belarusian Opponent Aryna Sabalenka for Getting Preferential Treatment at French Open 2023

The ruthlessness of war is unmatched. As the conflict in Ukraine rages, its embers are crawling on the tennis courts of Europe. Belarusian World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka, had an easy victory over Ukrainian Elina Svitolina in the quarterfinal of the French Open. The aftershocks of this match, however, grabbed the attention of many.

In the post-match press conference, the Ukrainian star dropped a few bombshells on the “hypocrisy” of French Open organizers, as Sabalenka was initially allowed to skip the post-match press conference. Svitolina also explained her position as to why she refused to shake hands with her opponent, the Belarusian. Additionally, Svitolina took a strong stance on how she saw the crowd booing her, as a result of her refusal to shake hands, in the context of the Ukraine war.

Elina Svitolina on ‘hypocrisy ‘ of French Open organizers

The 25-year-old Belarusian tennis player had an easy victory over her Ukrainian counterpart. She finished the game in two sets with 6-4 6-4 on Tuesday, June 6.

After her victory,  Sabalenka approached Elina Svitolina for a handshake. The Ukrainian star refused to reciprocate the gesture on the grounds that Belarusian president, Alexander Lukashenko, supports the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The crowd, however, didn’t take it well. They booed, as Elina Svitolina walked off the court.

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Aryna Sabalenka initially didn’t attend the post-match conference on grounds of mental health issues. Reacting to the same, the star took the French Open organizers, head-on. She gave the example of Naomi Osaka who skipped the post-match press conference citing mental health issues.

She was charged with a fine of $15000 at the 2021 Roland Garros. Highlighting the double standards,  Elina Svitolina said, “I think it should be equal for everyone. Like, for example, why Naomi got fined last time, and this time there is no fine for the player, which also skip the press conference.”  The Ukranian star further underlined that she too had difficulties in the past but she chose to face them.

On facing difficulties and the Ukraine war

Svitolina cited the example of Novak Djokovic’s comments on Kosovo, “So, you know, I’m not escaping,” said the Ukrainian tennis player. She also expressed her views regarding the crowd’s reaction after her handshake refusal. Svitolina said, “I have my strong position, and I’m vocal about that. I’m not gonna try to win the likeness of the people by betraying my strong belief and strongest position for my country.”

Later, the Ukrainian star accused Aryna Sabalenka of provoking her and fanning the flames by offering a handshake.

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