An 18-year-old Russian tennis prodigy faced a chorus of boos from the Australian Open crowd after appearing to snub a handshake with her Ukrainian opponent, though she later defended her actions as respecting her rival's wishes.
Svitolina Secures Quarter-Final Berth with Convincing Victory
Elina Svitolina, the Ukrainian world number 12, booked her spot in the Australian Open quarter-finals on Sunday with a commanding 6–2, 6–4 win over Russia's Mirra Andreeva. Despite Andreeva entering the match as a slight favourite based on WTA rankings, Svitolina was in control throughout, showcasing her experience and tactical prowess on the court.
This result marks Svitolina's fourth quarter-final appearance at the Australian Open, extending her impressive record at Melbourne Park to 33 wins from 45 matches. The victory also served as revenge for Svitolina, who was beaten by the young Russian star last year, highlighting her determination and growth in the tournament.
Post-Match Controversy Erupts Over Handshake Snub
However, it was the aftermath of the match that sparked controversy at Melbourne Park. Andreeva refused to shake hands with Svitolina, instead rushing straight to the chair umpire before exiting the court. This move was met with a loud chorus of boos from the crowd, who were left confused and disappointed by the perceived lack of sportsmanship.
Social media reactions were swift, with fans and commentators debating the incident. One user expressed frustration, stating, "It makes me mad that the 'no handshake' isn't explained to the crowd before the players come out on court. Ridiculous that Mirra Andreeva gets booed off court. This could be easily rectified if umpires could enlighten the casual fans who have no idea this is normal."
Svitolina's Stance Against Handshakes Explained
Andreeva later clarified that she was only respecting the wishes of Svitolina, who has continued to decline post-match handshakes with players from Russia and Belarus as a personal stand against the war in Ukraine, which began in February 2022. Svitolina has made her stance clear since 2022, arguing that it would be inappropriate to engage in traditional gestures while her country remains under attack and its soldiers are fighting on the front lines.
This principled position has been upheld by Svitolina throughout the tournament circuit, including after matches against high-profile players like Aryna Sabalenka and Victoria Azarenka. Even when faced with boos from sections of the crowd, Svitolina has remained resolute, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to her cause.
Svitolina Reflects on Match and Husband's Support
After the match, Svitolina shared her thoughts on the intense battle, saying, "I was expecting a tough battle and lots of long rallies. I was trying just to move my feet extremely well today and just trying to be really focused, finding the small holes in her game and to use them."
She also revealed that her husband, former professional tennis star Gael Monfils, had advised her to be more "chill" against her Russian opponent. Svitolina admitted, "I was not chill tonight. So he wouldn't be happy. But I think he might be happy with my win today." She added with a laugh, "I'm not sure we're going to see him for the next match, he might leave. It's a nice moment that we spent on the court as well, so it is great to have him by my side."
Andreeva's History of Controversy at Australian Open
This is not the first time that Andreeva has courted controversy at the Australian Open this year. Earlier in the tournament, she sparked debate after footage appeared to show her saying either "f*** you all" or "thank you all" while acknowledging the crowd after her straight-sets victory over Maria Sakkari. Fans were split on social media, with many insisting she swore, while others were convinced she was expressing gratitude.
Andreeva did not clarify the wording directly but later explained that the crowd was loud and she tried to block it out to stay focused. In the recent match, after being booed, Andreeva responded by blowing kisses to the crowd, adding another layer to the ongoing drama surrounding her behaviour on court.
The incident highlights the complex dynamics at play in international sports, where personal beliefs, political contexts, and fan expectations often collide, creating moments of tension and debate that extend far beyond the baseline.
