Players at DC Open Ukraine’s Svitolina, Belarus’ Azarenka won’t shake hands in Support of Ukraine Amid Ongoing Conflict
In a display of solidarity with Ukraine during its tumultuous times, players Ukraine’s Svitolina, Belarus’ Azarenka won’t shake hands at the DC Open tennis tournament. This decision was made in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with Belarus’ involvement, which began in February 2022. The two players, like many others from Ukraine, have chosen not to shake hands with opponents from Russia or Belarus to express their concern and stance against the ongoing conflict. The tournament organisers, understanding the situation’s sensitivity, informed the audience about the players’ decision before the match, ensuring that the gesture was respected.
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The DC Open Match:
The DC Open match between Svitolina and Azarenka was a hard-fought contest that ended with Svitolina’s victory, receiving applause from the spectators, some waving Ukrainian flags in support. Instead of the traditional handshake at the net, both players walked towards the sideline to acknowledge the chair umpire. This gesture emphasised their commitment to their principles while avoiding any unnecessary controversy on the court.
At previous tournaments, there were instances where fans, unaware of the background, booed Ukrainian players for not participating in the customary handshake. After one such incident at Wimbledon, Azarenka faced loud jeers for not approaching the net, though it was a well-informed decision considering Svitolina’s stance on handshakes. In light of such misunderstandings, Svitolina expressed the need for tournaments to inform the fans about the situation, and the DC Open organisers took the initiative to do just that.
No booing after Elina Svitolina & Victoria Azarenka match in Washington.
This is how it should’ve been at Wimbledon.
The tournament making a statement about the no handshake was the right decision.
No one was booed & both women got the respect they deserved. pic.twitter.com/6KgNh1fwVI
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 1, 2023
Message Displayed to the Audience:
To avoid confusion and promote understanding, the DC Open displayed a message on the scoreboards before and after the match, stating: “At the conclusion of the match, there will be no handshake between the players. We appreciate your respect for both athletes during and following the match, and for your understanding during these difficult circumstances.”
Svitolina revealed that she had requested the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) to respect the decision of Ukrainian players and was assured by the WTA Chairman and CEO, Steve Simon, that a message would be delivered to the crowd in Washington before her match against Azarenka. While the WTA has not yet decided to make this practice mandatory for all tournaments involving players from Ukraine, Russia, or Belarus, the DC Open’s proactive approach was appreciated by both players.
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Our Take
The DC Open’s handling of the situation regarding the post-game handshake between Elina Svitolina and Victoria Azarenka serves as a commendable example of understanding and respecting the players’ personal decisions amid geopolitical sensitivities. By informing the audience about the players’ intentions before the match, they fostered an environment of support and solidarity. As the tennis world grapples with the ongoing conflict, it remains to be seen whether similar practices will be adopted by other tournaments, providing clarity to fans and players alike during these challenging times.
