Svitolina furious with Sabalenka: “I don’t know what she did, I wouldn’t shake her hand”

She was furious after her defeat by Arina Sabalenka Elina Svitolina for the Roland Garros quarterfinals.

And this is because despite the fact that the Ukrainian gymnasts they don’t shake hands with Russian and Belarusian women, Sabalenka was waiting for her for the customary handshake. In fact, the No. 2 in the world ranking was frowned upon and from the audience of “Philippe Chatrier” for her attempt to salute her opponent.

“I don’t know what he expected because my statements were clear about the handshake,” the 28-year-old Ukrainian said at the press conference. “I expected the disapproval. Anyone who loses in a situation like that is frowned upon, so it wasn’t a surprise to me.”

My initial reaction when I saw her in the net was to think “what are you doing?”. Because my position was clear in the press conference. I don’t know, they might not be on social media during tournaments. But it was clear, I said many times that I will not give my hand and also she played with Marta (Kostyuk) in the first round. It is simple. I think it triggered the situation.” were Svitolina’s words.

As for the fact that she was not fined who did not “attend” two press conferences, said: “There must be equal treatment. Naomi (Osaka) was fined last time but no fine this time. If there was no fine in Naomi’s case it would be different, but there should be equal treatment. I too have encountered difficulties, I also had difficulty with the question about Novak and Kosovo. I’m not trying to escape. I have my position and I express it. I will not try to win people’s sympathy by betraying my conviction and position for my country.”