Aryna Sabalenka's classy reaction after Italian Open opponent refuses post match handshake
Sabalenka booked her place in the quarter-finals with a straight-sets victory over Marta Kostyuk, who refused to shake hand after the match
Aryna Sabalenka displayed commendable sportsmanship with a gracious act towards Marta Kostyuk, who declined to shake hands following their match at the Italian Open.
Sabalenka clinched her spot in the quarter-finals after a hard-fought win over Kostyuk on Tuesday and is set to go up against the Olympic champion, Zheng Qinwen, in the next round.
Sabalenka sailed through the opening set but was pushed to a tiebreaker in the second before securing a 6-1, 7-6 victory. Kostyuk bypassed the conventional post-match handshake – a gesture that's become increasingly common when Ukrainian players face off against competitors from Russia or Belarus.
Instead of causing a stir, Sabalenka respectfully acknowledged her opponent by applauding Kostyuk with her racket as she exited the court. The audience reciprocated with a warm ovation for Kostyuk, who raised her hand in gratitude for their support.
Previously, Kostyuk had faced Daria Kasatkina at the same tournament and triumphed decisively over the Australian athlete, who has distanced herself from her Russian heritage earlier this year.
Following that match, the athletes did exchange a handshake, with Kostyuk expressing admiration for Kasatkina's decision to alter her national affiliation.
"Of course, everyone has the right to make their own choices," Kostyuk remarked. "But I believe Daria is an example of how, even in difficult circumstances, you can remain human.
"That kind of thing deserves to be acknowledged. I received a lot of heartfelt, supportive messages. It was an important day for me personally and for our entire team."
Sabalenka had previously encountered Kostyk in the first round of the French Open in 2023, where their lack of post-match handshake drew jeers from the crowd. Sabalenka had expressed beforehand that she did not anticipate any pleasantries after the match.
"If she hates me, okay, I can't do anything about that," she remarked. "There are going to be people who love me, there are going to be people who hate me. If she hates me, I don't feel anything like that to her.
"If I could, I would stop the war, and about the no shaking, I can kind of understand them [players from Ukraine]. I imagine if they're going to shake hands with Russians and Belarusians, they're going to get so many messages from their home countries.
"So I kind of understand why they are not doing it. At the same time, I feel like sports shouldn't be in politics, like, we're just athletes. If they feel good with no shaking hands, I'm happy with that."
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