The Russian- Ukraine war has had its share of impact on the world of sports and tennis. Just last year, Wimbledon had decided to execute a “non-discriminatory” ban on Russian and Belarussian tennis players from participating in the major title event. Now, even though the ban has been lifted, there is still some unspoken unease and friction between the players.
Ukrainian players – Lesia Tsurenko, Marta Kostyuk, and Elina Svitolina have been openly expressing their worries about their homeland. Other players have also been supportive of their fellow tennis players as they cannot imagine what the Ukrainians are going through.It seems like players truly understand the situation and side by each other through their differences. The crowd however, seem to exacerbate it for the players with complete ignorance of what is actually happening.
Aryna Sabalenka agrees with Elina Svitolina’s “No Handshake” call
On day 7 of Wimbledon 2023, former world no. 1 Victoria Azarenka was booed off the court for acting in respect and support of her opponent’s decision. After her loss in 4R against Elina Svitolina, Vika waved at her and walked away, because she was aware of her opponent’s wishes to not shake hands until the war was over and respected the decision.
Naturally, this gesture has drawn in some boos from the crowd. In response to this incident, Aryna Sabalenka, the Belarussian stunner, showed her support for Elina’s request for an official statement. She explains that an announcement would ensure that “players won’t leave the court with so much hate.”
Aryna Sabalenka was asked about Azarenka being booed after Elina Svitolina match:
“That’s a really tough situation. As Elina said, someone has to come out on social media with an announcement that there won’t be a handshake so players won’t leave the court with so much hate.” pic.twitter.com/mRG1STeH1Z
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) July 10, 2023
Not shaking the hand of their opponent after a match is considered to be extremely unsportsmanlike. But this gesture is clearly bigger than that. Therefore, there have been requests to make it an official statement, which would mean that there was an understanding from not just the players, but also the tournament organizers and the audience.
Victoria Azarenka responds to Wimbledon crowds booed her vs Elina Svitolina
Vika kept here cool even though she was booed after putting a very strong fight. For a second, she was confused when the audience started booing but she just laughed it off. The athlete figured that the audience were just ignorant and did not understand the reason behind either of their actions.
Azarenka was asked if she’s ‘the victim’ after crowd booed her against Elina Svitolina:
“Victim? Victim that someone didn’t shake my hand? Oh, please. She doesn’t want to shake hands with Russian & Belarusians. I respected her decision. What should I have done. Stayed & waited?” pic.twitter.com/C4QyRpyZe3
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) July 9, 2023
Wimbledon Chiefs response to Victoria Azarenka booed situation
The players believe that it would help if there was an official action, there would be much better understanding. However, the request made to the SW19 tournament chief has been turned down. Suddenly, this year, the SW19 officials do not want to have a say in this issue!
The customary handshake between the players after the match is the gesture in question. Nevertheless, the Ukrainian players have openly expressed that to show the support for their troops and their nation, they will not be shaking hands with the players from Russia and Belarus. But somehow there still seems to be a misunderstanding.
What are your thoughts on this gesture? Should there be an official statement from the organizers? Let us know in the comments below.
