Controversy embroiled post match after an epic between Victoria Azarenka and Elina Svitolina on Court One with the latter sealing victory but the Belarusian encountered booing.
This after Azarenka and Svitolina did not shake hands which continued to be the decision of the Ukrainian, a stance that has been taken since the war between Russia and Ukraine began.
It became an ongoing theme at Roland Garros, with Daria Kasatkina and even Marta Kostyuk despite being from Ukraine being booed.
The fans inside Court One were criticised but does Azarenka feel like she is a 'victim' in the situation?
Asked in the post match press conference, she rubbished that notion saying that she respected the decision and what would she have done stayed and waited.
"Victim? Victim that someone didn’t shake my hand? Oh, please. She doesn’t want to shake hands with Russian & Belarusians. I respected her decision. What should I have done. Stayed & waited?" said Azarenka during press post match.
Albeit, Aryna Sabalenka did infamously stay and wait for Svitolina at the net at Roland Garros which was something the former World No.1 didn't want to do.
Many felt it was a shame after such an epic for this to be the talking point and now Azarenka has had her say on the matter.
Next up for Svitolina will be Iga Swiatek in the Quarter-Finals on Tuesday, with Azarenka heading home albeit after an up turn in form heading now towards US Open season.
Azarenka was asked if she’s ‘the victim’ after crowd booed her against Elina Svitolina: “Victim? Victim that someone didn’t shake my hand? Oh, please. She doesn’t want to shake hands with Russian & Belarusians. I respected her decision. What should I have done. Stayed & waited?”
