US Open drama as Ukrainian-born star snubs handshake with Aryna Sabalenka

Aryna Sabalenka cruised into the second spherical of the US Open on Tuesday however was left shocked after her Ukrainian-born opponent refused to shake her hand earlier than making a hasty exit.

The Belarusian world No 2 put in a stable efficiency to dispatch Maryna Zanevska 6-3, 6-2 however the 30-year-old who represents Belgium, however was born in Odesa, Ukraine, refused to shake Sabalenka’s hand on the finish of the match and as a substitute headed straight for the chair.

Her actions resulted in a scattering of boos from the group after what was the ultimate match of Zanevska’s profession earlier than retirement – a results of persistent again points. The realisation of the second appeared to meet up with the world No 112, who turned emotional and rapidly departed the court docket.

Plenty of Ukrainian gamers have refused to shake palms with opponents from Russia or Belarus for the reason that starting of Russia‘s invasion of Ukraine final yr. Belarus is a key navy ally of Russia.

Speaking to reporters after the match, Zanevska tried to justify her actions towards Sabalenka – who reportedly looked susprised by the snub – by explaining how she has household combating towards Russia in Ukraine.

Zanevska informed AFP: “I know I’m representing Belgium but all my family are in Ukraine. I respect Aryna as a tennis player. She’s a great champion, hard worker, and I mean what she’s doing in tennis is amazing.

“But it’s my personal decision about not shaking the hand to someone who couldn’t step up. I don’t judge her. She’s protecting her family, but I’m protecting my family. I have family fighting on the frontline. And I think if I shake her hand it would be the same as spitting in the face of them.

“It was not the best way of leaving the court because people were booing but I was ready for that. But I’m leaving the tennis world with my head up and something I believe I did right.”

After shedding the primary set 6-3, Zanevska went 2-0 up within the second with Sabalenka left grappling towards double faults. But the second seed confirmed her class to place that blip behind her and stepped up a few gears to win six straight video games, securing her passage to the second spherical.

Sabalenka will now face Britain’s Jodie Burrage in spherical two, who received her first-round match towards Anna Blinkova in straight units.