The tennis community once again saw two disparate subjects, “politics and sports” getting merged due to the conflicts between Ukraine and Russia. It is because of the controversial ‘handshake’ incident involving the WTA players, Elina Svitolina and Victoria Azarenka at the recently concluded British Slam. After prevailing in the round of 16 matchup at SW19, the Ukrainian tennis star openly refused to shake hands with her Belarusian opponent.

Speaking about her decision, the 28-year-old player made her stance clear that she will be following the same path of not partaking in pre and post-match formalities with players from Russia and Belarus. Now, after that ‘handshake’ incident, the former World No.3  once again came forward on her social media, to reiterate her position. In the process, she showcased her support for another Ukrainian athlete who recently faced a controversial disqualification due to their ‘no handshakes’ stance.

Elina Svitolina is steadfast in her decision as she showcases her support to another Ukrainian athlete

On her online platforms, the current World No.27 has never held herself back from addressing various matters in the sporting community. Svitolina’s most recent social media post made it clear as she candidly spoke about the Ukrainian athletes’ position of not shaking hands with players from Russia and Belarus.

In her recent Tweet, the WTA player urged all the sports authorities to respect their decision. She said, “We are not shaking hands with Russian and Belarusian athletes. That is our position! I call on international sports organizations and federations to respect our decision!”

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In the process, the Ukrainian tennis star also showcased her support for her compatriot and fencer, Olga Kharlan, who recently faced a controversial disqualification over her ‘no handshake’ stance.

At the ongoing World Fencing Championships, the 32-year-old was disqualified after she refused to shake hands with her Russian opponent, Anna Smirnova. Taking note of the same, Svitolina said, “All our love and respect go to Olga Kharlan”. 

Apart from the 2022 Wimbledon semifinalist, there is another Ukrainian tennis star who has remained steadfast in their decision.

Marta Kostyuk is also adamant about the ‘no handshake’ stance

Just like Svitolina, the 21-year-old player also follows the same custom of not shaking hands with players from Russia and Belarus. It was quite evident during her triumph in the ATX Open, where Marta Kostyuk was seen giving a ‘cold look’ to her Russian opponent, Varvara Gracheva.

After outclassing her in straight sets (6-3, 7-5), the Ukrainian refused to shake hands with Gracheva. Earlier, she did the same with her Belarusian opponent, Victoria Azarenka, following their match at the Grand Slam event in New York.

READ MORE- Wimbledon Finds Its Villain in 33-Year-Old Victoria Azarenka as Vehement Booing Accompanies Her in Brutal Send Off After Heart-Breaking Defeat to Elina Svitolina

What do you think of the Ukrainian tennis players’ ‘handshake refusal’ stance? Let us know in the comments section.

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