Already in the previous one it was known that the duel between Elina Svitolina (76th in the WTA ranking) and Victoria Azarenka (20th) It was going to be for controversy… and so it was. Although both delivered very good tennis, it seems that the victory in Wimbledon of the Ukrainian by 2-6, 6-4 and 7-6 (9) would be left aside.
Both tennis players staged a great controversy at the end of the round of 16 match. AP Photo
And it is that the controversial thing arose once the match was over when the Belarusian went directly to greet the umpire, without shaking hands with her rival, who was getting up from the grass after celebrating the victory. But Azarenka had a response to this gesture that he explained at a press conference: “This conversation about shaking hands is not life changing. I thought it was a great tennis match. She (Svitolina) doesn’t want to shake hands with Russians or Belarusians. I respected her decision, what should I have done? Stay and wait? I did what I thought was respectful considering his decision...”.
However, she also highlighted the great performance of the Ukrainian in a match that, according to her, could have been for either of the two: “I think she plays a lot more free and without pressure at the moment. She has been very solid. Later I will watch the game to see what things can be improved, but what’s done is done. Will have to try again”assured the former No. 1 in the world.
For her part, Svitolina also came out to speak at a press conference about this issue and her position: “I have already said it several times that until the Russian troops are out of Ukraine and we get our territories back, we will not shake hands (with Russians and Belarusians). So I have a clear statement. I don’t know how to be clearer.”
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He also explained the reason for his great emotion after winning the match, his first victory against Azarenka and the pass to the Wimbledon quarterfinals, where he waits for Iga Swiatek (1a): “Because of how difficult this match was and how much it meant to me as well. I know that many people at home watched and supported me. I also feel responsibility. So if I am going to play this match against a Russian, Belarusian, I feel of course more pressure and that I need to win. That’s why it means a lot to get these kinds of wins. In my way, it is to bring this victory, small victory, to Ukraine.”assured the tennis player.
2023-07-09 23:28:40
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