Aryna Sabalenka proves too strong for Elina Svitolina in French Open quarterfinals with the defeated Ukrainian booed by some in the audience after refusing to shake hands with her Belarusian opponent
- The Belarusian Sabalenka defeated the Ukrainian Svitolina in the quarterfinals 6-4 6-4
- Sabalenka deliberately waited at the net, but Svitolina walked straight off the field
- It comes amid tensions between players over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine
Elina Svitolina’s run at the French Open came to an end when she was outhit in her highly charged quarterfinal against second seed Aryna Sabalenka.
The Ukrainian, who was ranked number 192 in the world rankings after the birth of her daughter last October, was eventually defeated 6-4 6-4 by her Belarusian opponent.
Watched by husband Gael Monfils, Ukraine’s last representative in singles bowed to the Australian Open champion, who refused to give press conferences at this tournament.
There was no handshake or remote acknowledgment at the end, as Sabalenka deliberately waited at the net while her opponent headed straight for her seat. It caused a limited amount of jeers as she promptly left court.
Their match – which took place over lunch and was watched by a disappointingly small crowd – pitted Svitolina’s ultra-reliable base game against the shotmaking Sabalenka, who delivers every shot with a piercing streak.
Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina (left) refused a handshake with her opponent Aryna Sabalenka (right) after the Belarusian won their quarterfinal at the French Open
Sabalenka deliberately waited in front of the net after her 6-4 6-4 victory over Philippe Chatrier
But there was no eye contact or acknowledgment from Svitolina as she left the field
The first set was very tight until the last game, when the Ukrainian ruthlessly punished a short second serve on breakpoint.
Svitolina advanced for 2-0 in the second but was soon overhauled, with her legs perhaps heavy after winning the title in Strasbourg the week immediately prior to Roland Garros.
Sabalenka now faces Karolina Muchova from the Czech Republic and will be the firm favorite to reach the final.
The Ukrainian shook hands with the referee, but dismissed Sabalenka due to the ongoing conflict
There was some cheering from the crowd after Svitolina ignored Sabalenka after her defeat