“I just hope the matches between us are respected" - Elina Svitolina responds to Aryna Sabalenka's explicit Ukraine rant

Elina Svitolina is in a third WTA Finals final after comprehensively demolishing an inform Linda Noskova 6-2, 6-1. However, a big headline from the tournament came the day before when Aryna Sabalenka made some comments which were alleged to be aimed at Svitolina and Ukrainians. While the Belarusian apologised, the 2018 champion also weighed in.

The duo competed in the final round robin match, in which a routine Sabalenka collapse saw her game go up in smoke, and Svitolina picked up the pieces to qualify for the semi-finals, in which she would swat Noskova to one side and make it to a third consecutive WTA Finals final in editions that she has competed in, last participating all the way back in 2019.

Going back to the final group contest, fans were in uproar on social media after it was interpreted by many that Sabalenka's comments were Ukrainian insults. This has more weight to it with the war and Sabalenka's Belarusian background.

The four-time Grand Slam champion attempted to clear the air on social media, sending out an apology. “My comment was not directed at Elina. I was frustrated with a small group of spectators who were aggressively cheering my mistakes, and I reacted emotionally in the moment. That said, I should have handled my frustration differently, and I apologise to anyone I offended. Elina played a great match, and I wish her all the best for the rest of the tournament.”

When speaking to the media afterwards, Svitolina was asked on this matter, admitting that she was yet to see this explicit clip. “As we see there’s many, many Ukrainians, many, many flags, and of course they want me to win this particular match. We’ve played many times with Aryna. She has her fans. I have my fans," she said.

“I just hope the matches between us are respected. Sometimes in some matches that we’ve played also there have been not great comments towards me in regards of the war. It is like this on social media; sometimes the things are turned around a little bit.”

Both players would have very contrasting WTA Finals endings, it seems, although we do not know what is in store for Svitolina. While Sabalenka's season has ended with a whimper, Svitolina is skyrocketing after stunning the Wimbledon champion in a blistering performance.

Noskova actually began by breaking the serve, but Svitolina quickly restored parity at 2-2. From that point on, the Czech won just one game, coming in the penultimate one of the match after Svitolina had ticked off nine consecutive games before missing a match point. She made no mistake in the next game, reaching another WTA Finals final where Mirra Andreeva awaits.

She discussed her triumphant performance with the Tennis Channel afterwards. "I think I played really well today," she said. "I was serving well and returning well, too. I'm just happy with the way I was able to execute the game plan. Everything was great. I was struggling a little bit at the beginning with the sun, because it was right there, but I think it was also affecting her a little bit. I was able to play aggressively and find the angles."

Svitolina's first task in this tournament was against Andreeva, and it did not go well. Losing 6-4, 6-0, she dropped the last seven games after a tight start with the Roland Garros champion a fierce competitor.

"For me, it will be important tomorrow to do my homework and try to find the way I can play against Mirra," she commented. "I think she's in good form, but I feel like I've found my game since I lost the first match against her. So, yeah, I'll do my homework with my coaches and try to find the keys for tomorrow."

Svitolina explained what she needed to do on the court to give herself the best chance of winning. "I think I adjust well with my footwork. She's playing really well and has an all-court game, so I'll have to move well to find the right shots to attack. I think that will be important. Of course, I'll try to work on my serve and my return. I think everything. We're playing against the best here, so you need to find small opportunities and try to execute them well."

One thing that is guaranteed is that she will continue to get a lot of support from the Indian Wells crowd. "They've been really, really sweet towards me, and I really like playing here. I think I've had some great results, making a couple of semi-finals, and I really enjoy playing in California."