close_game
close_game

Watch: Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk booed off by French Open crowd after snubbing handshake with Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka

May 28, 2023 05:07 PM IST

Sabalenka was left confused at the crowd's gesture and felt that it was aimed at her and hence she reacted sharply to it.

Aryna Sabalenka initially though the boos were aimed at her by the French Open crowd after her comfortable win in her campaign opener at Stade Roland Garros on Sunday. But later realised that the negative reaction from the spectators were targetted at Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine, who continued her stance towards the participation of players from Russia and Belarus by not engaging in the usual post-match ritual of a handshake up at the net.

Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus, top, and Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk, left, refused to shake hands at the end of their first round match of the French Open(AP)
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus, top, and Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk, left, refused to shake hands at the end of their first round match of the French Open(AP)

Even the pre-match ritual of a photograph with the players alongside the chair umpire was avoided owing to Kostyuk's stand. She later even avoided an eye contact with the Belarus star after the end of the match when lost 3-6, 2-6 and walked straight towards the chair umpire to acknowledge. Meanwhile, Sabalenka had walked straight towards the net probably expecting a handshake.

It was however an unlikely reaction from the crowd given that Kostyuk has beem maintaining her no-handshake stance with Russian and Belarusian players since her country was invaded by Russia, with help from Belarus, in February 2022. The crowd probably felt that Kostyuk's act was down to the lopsided match that saw her making an early exit from the Grand Slam tournament.

ALSO READ: Novak Djokovic makes startling retirement admission ahead of Roland Garros opener after hit with shock Rafael Nadal news

Even Sabalenka was left confused at the crowd's gesture and felt that it was aimed at her. She reacted sharply to it with a bow before being told that it was aimed at Kostyuk.

Watch the video here…

“It was a very tough match. Tough emotionally,” Sabalenka said on court. I mean sorry guys, at the first I thought these boos were against me. I was a little surprised. Then I felt your support – so thank you so much for that. It is really important. Thank you, thank you.”

During her pre-tournament news conference on Friday, Sabalenka was asked about the likelihood there would be no handshake on Sunday.

“If she hates me, OK. I can’t do anything about that. There is going to be people who loves me; there is going to be people who hates me,” Sabalenka said then. “If she hates me, I don’t feel anything like that (toward) her.”

Stay updated with the...
See more
Stay updated with the latest sports news, including latest headlines and updates from the Olympics 2024, where Indian athletes will compete for glory in Paris. Catch all the action from tennis Grand Slam tournaments, follow your favourite football teams and players with the latest match results, and get the latest on international hockey tournaments and series.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Monday, October 07, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On