"She not even representing Ukraine": Ukraine born Zanevska slammed by tennis fans for snubbing Sabalenka handshake in final career match
WTA
Fans
criticized Maryna Zanevska after the no-handshake incident with Aryna Sabalenka
at the US Open.
The
30-year-old Belgian faced Belarusian Sabalenka in the first round at Flushing
Meadows. World No. 2 had no trouble defeating Zanevska with a score of 6-3, 6-2
in one hour and nineteen minutes.
After the
match, Ukraine-born Zanevska refused to shake hands with her opponent, similar
to other Ukrainian tennis players like Elina Svitolina and Marta Kostyuk. The
controversy arose in what is also Zanevska's last match of her career, as she
recently announced her retirement after the 2023 US Open.
Sabalenka herself had words for her opponent and her retirement, wishing her all the best for the future:
"I
felt so sorry for her and I think she played great match and this is… I mean
this a great match to finish her career and I wish she could play many more
years but it is how it is and I wish her all the best in her next chapter,"
Sabalenka said.
The
situation caught the attention of several fans on social media, who criticized
the Belgian representative for taking the stance of Ukrainian players,
considering that she competes under a different flag:
"No handshake between Ukraine-born Zanevska and Sabalenka -- who looked surprised by that. That's Maryna's last career match. Looked quite emotional in the end," wrote journalist Jose Morgado, opening the door to fan opinions.
"ZANEVSKA
loves Ukraine so much and yet she plays under a different flag. The
irony," the user wrote.
"Not
sure in my final match of my career if I’d have done that but okay," the
user tweeted.
"I
honestly need someone to ask these Ukrainian(-born) players 1) what they think
about bigotry 2) to explain how their current behaviour/attitude towards
RUS/BLR is not bigoted 3) whether they think family/friends of RUS players’d be
safe if they spoke out against the war/gov."
Here are some other rections from the fans:
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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