"It will be the same if I spit in the face of my relatives": Zanevska explains Sabalenka handshake snub despite representing Belgium now

Saturday, 02 September 2023 at 18:49

Maryna Zanevska retired from tennis due to persistent back-related issues bowing out to Aryna Sabalenka at the US Open, but it was the post-match handshake and lack thereof that was heavily discussed.

Zanevska said it would be the same as spitting in the face of her relatives if she shook hands with the Belarusian. This is despite representing Belgium and living in the country for a long time.

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But still having family roots and being born their doesn't change her position, albeit it will now be a mere footnote with her retiring from the sport.

“I know I’m representing Belgium but all my family are in Ukraine. If I shake her hand, it will be the same if I spit in the face of my relatives,” she said, as per AFP.

But despite that position, she said that she respects Sabalenka and that she doesn't judge her as a result of the lack of handshake.

“I respect Aryna as a tennis player, she is a champion. Not shaking hands is my personal decision. I don't judge her. She defends her family and I defend mine,” she added.

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Pavvy G

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Last night Belgian Maryna Zanevska refused to shake Sabalenkas hand at at the end of the match as she was born in Ukraine. Do these players know that Sabalenka has nothing to do with the war right?

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3:47 PM · Aug 30, 2023

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