Roland Garros 2023: Aryna Sabalenka beats Elina Svitolina in a geopolitical match

dOn one side of Court Philippe-Chatrier, Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka, world No. 2, winner of the last edition of the Australian Open. On the other hand, Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina, the former world No. 3, is back to 192.^e Location – Seven months after giving birth, a young mother returns victorious to Paris.

And it is the top-ranked man who made his strength speak in two sets (6-4, 6-4) in the quarterfinals of Roland Garros on Tuesday, June 6. As expected, Elina Svitolina refused to shake hands at the end of this meeting with intense geopolitical overtones.

Since February 24, 2022, and the start of the Russian invasion led by President Vladimir Putin with the support of his Belarusian ally Alexander Lukashenko, Ukraine has been a country at war. Unlike other sports federations, and with the exception of the 2022 Wimbledon tournament, international tennis authorities continued to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete, but under a neutral flag.

While former Ukrainian tennis players like Sergi Stakhovsky (31^e at the peak of their career) decided to take up arms in their country, those who remain on the circle decided not to greet their Russian or Belarusian colleagues.

For Elina Svitolina, it has become a habit since the beginning of her career at the French Open. Already in the previous rounds, in the sixteenth, then in the eighth finals, Odesa did not shake hands with the Russian rivals. “I represent my country”She explained at the press conference after her victory over Anna Blinkova on Friday, June 2.

“I am doing everything to support and encourage the men and women who are currently on the front lines fighting for our land, our country. Imagine that boy or girl who is currently on the front line, who looks at me and me, who acts as if nothing happened (…) We Ukrainians are all united. And this is our position. »

Two days later, Ukrainian Daria Kasatkina did not shake hands, but the two players greeted each other from a distance. Among his many compatriots, the Russian, world No. 9, stood out for his outspoken stance against the war and his support for Ukrainian athletes. “I am very grateful to him. He is a very brave man who spoke out publicly, which few players do [russes et biélorusses] did”Elina Svitolina said at the press conference.