Svitolina Sparks Outrage After Refusing Handshake With Armenian Opponent
Ukrainian tennis star Elina Svitolina has faced heavy criticism for refusing to shake hands with Elina Avanesyan following her victory at the Monterrey Open. The 29-year-old defeated the Armenian player in the Round of 16 on Thursday, winning in straight sets (6-4 6-3).
After securing the win, Svitolina, who is married to fellow tennis star Gael Monfils, snubbed the customary post-match handshake, shaking only the umpire's hand before returning to her seat. This incident is the latest in a series of similar actions by the Ukrainian, who has refused to shake hands with Russian and Belarusian players since the outbreak of the Ukraine-Russia war in February 2022.
The controversy surrounding Svitolina's actions stems from Avanesyan's nationality. Although born in Russia, she now represents Armenia, prompting many to question the rationale behind the Ukrainian's refusal. Social media erupted with criticism, with several users expressing their displeasure.
One X user commented, "It's just petulant because it achieves nothing except negative headlines," while another wrote, "I sincerely urge you to change your attitude towards Russian players... they are not responsible for Putin's actions... if you be friends with them... who knows they might influence Putin to stop the war!!"
A third user simply pointed out, "Avanesyan isn't even playing for Russia."
Svitolina has previously explained her actions, stating to The Independent, "It started with the Ukrainian Government that went to the meetings with the Russian Government."
She elaborated, "They [Ukraine] were against shaking the hands because they're not sharing the same values, obviously, and what the Russians are doing to our country. We are Ukrainians, all united for one goal of winning this war. We do anything that is required. I am Ukrainian."
Svitolina added, "I am standing for my country, doing anything possible to support men and women who are right now on the front line fighting for our land, our country. Can you imagine the guy or girl in the front line looking at me and I am acting like nothing is happening?"
This is not the first time Svitolina's actions have garnered negative attention. Last year, she refused to shake hands with Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka after defeating her in the quarter-final of the French Open. Despite the boos directed at Sabalenka, the two-time Grand Slam champion defended her opponent, stating, "I think she didn't deserve all these boos."
Svitolina's stance has sparked a debate regarding the appropriate response to the war, with some questioning the effectiveness of such actions while others defend her right to express solidarity with her nation.
