"This is another reminder for me and it's painful": Lesia Tsurenko continues to reiterate no handshake rule after crushing Sabalenka loss
WTASaturday, 20 January 2024 at 05:30
Ukrainian tennis star Lesia Tsurenko has revealed the reason
behind not having a handshake with Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka at the Australian
Open.
The two clashed in the third round of the first Grand Slam
of the year where the current world number two produced a perfect display and won
the match without losing a game with a score of 6-0, 6-0.
Tsurenko, while talking to the media after the match,
explained that she decided not to shake hands with Sabalenka in protest of
Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.
"It's very hard for me," she said. "I know
where they're from, this is another reminder for me and it's painful. I feel
like so many things that were so important for me are not important any more,
like a tennis match.
"I don't feel like I really care about how I finish the
match, what is the score. I care more about the fact I can be here and I can
remind the world that the war is still on, I care about the fact that I can
earn some money and I can donate and I can help other people."
Sabalenka also expressed her opinion about the incident
while talking to the media and revealed that despite not having a handshake, Tsurenko
was respectful towards her.
"I respect everyone's position,” she said. "She
[Tsurenko] was quite respectful. She said, 'Great play'. She didn't shake my
hand, but she was respectful to me, so I appreciate that."
Azeem Siddiqui is a seasoned sports journalist and data analyst with a strong background in both digital media and live sports production.
He began his journalism career working with partners of The New York Times and has since contributed to several leading international sports publications, including Fox Sports Asia, Calciomercato, and GiveMeSport. Since 2023, Azeem has been part of the TennisUpToDate team, where he has played a key role in sustaining the platform’s growth and ensuring tennis fans receive timely and reliable coverage of the sport’s biggest stories.
In addition to his editorial work, Azeem has extensive experience as a data analyst in live sports broadcasting—particularly in cricket—where he combines analytical precision with creative storytelling. He has collaborated with multiple production companies and cricket boards worldwide, delivering real-time insights and data-driven narratives during live match coverage.
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