Aryna Sabalenka addresses Ukrainian opponent's decision to skip handshake after Australian Open semifinal

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Top-ranked women’s tennis player Aryna Sabalenka said she respected her opponent’s decision not to shake hands after their semifinal match at the Australian Open Thursday, a decision she says most Ukrainian players have been making "for so long." 

Sabalenka, who is Belarusian but is only permitted to play under a neutral flag at Grand Slams since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, defeated Elina Svitolina of Ukraine 6-2, 6-3. 

Aryna Sabalenka, right, walks past Elina Svitolina during their semifinal match at the Australian Open in Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026.  (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)

Before the conclusion of the match, a message on the big screen from Australian Open organizers informed the crowd that the pair would not be shaking hands at the net after the match.

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"At the conclusion of the match, there will be no handshake between the players. We appreciate your respect for both athletes during and following the match." 

After the match, Sabalenka was asked directly about Svitolina’s decision. 

Elina Svitolina gestures during her semifinal match against Aryna Sabalenka at the Australian Open in Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026.  (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

"I’m not focusing on that, and they’ve been doing it for so long. It’s their decision, and I respect that. And I have time right now to respect her and [in the] on-court interview.

"I think that she knows I respect her as a player, I know she respects me as a player. That’s all I care [about.] But no handshake, it's their decision. I respect that." 

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