Handshakes after matches are a sign of sportsmanship in tennis, regardless of the relationship between the two players. However, some matches become too heated, and players cannot manage to control their emotions. Jelena Ostapenko showed signs of such issues after her recent clash with Victoria Azarenka. She lost the clash rather quickly and also showed signs of poor sportsmanship.

Ostapenko is known by the tennis world for being more dramatic than required. Watching her act out, fans couldn’t help but jump at the chance to call her out on her behavior.

Fans lambast Jelena Ostapenko after Victoria Azarenka handshake debacle

The Qatar Open is a prestigious event where each WTA player hopes for a win. Ostapenko faced Azarenka in the third round. The Belarusian player ended the match quickly as she bageled the Latvian player in the first set and ended the match 6-0, 6-3, making their head-to-head 5-0 for Azarenka. After the match, as the two walked up for a handshake, Ostapenko decided that she would go for a racket tap instead.

Azarenka, who was ready for a handshake, decided not to tap her racket with the player and went on to shake the hand of the chair umpire, creating an awkward moment. Watching it, fans shared their reactions to the moment. 

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One fan pointed out how Azarenka even moved her racket to her left hand for a handshake, but when she saw Ostapenko’s intention for a racket tap, she rolled her eyes and moved without having any intention to reciprocate.

One user said that Ostapenko was not in the best mood after her loss. Additionally, they also pointed out how Azarenka was not in the mood for her antics.

Another fan called Ostapenko a “Crum bum” and said that she should keep playing better if she doesn’t want to lose to the Belarusian player.

One user pointed out how it was Valentine’s Day, and Ostapenko was not in the mood to share her love.

Continuing the theme of Valentine’s Day, one fan pointed out how one player received flowers, and the other didn’t, which led to an awkward moment.

One user pointed out their head-to-head, which is in favor of Azarenka.

This is not the only time Ostapenko has acted out against Azarenka. They faced earlier this year in the Brisbane International, where she would go on to argue with the chair umpire. In the middle of a game, she called the umpire blind and said that they didn’t know how to officiate. She also said they would never watch over her games again. After the rage episode, she would go on to lose to Azarenka for the fourth time.

Fans had their laugh at Ostapenko’s behavior; what do you think about it?

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