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The shadow of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia still hangs over the tennis circuit and the relations between Ukrainian players on one side and Russians and Belarusians on the other. A new episode of this cold war took place Wednesday at the press conference of Aryna Sabalenka after her victory against her compatriot Iryna Shymanovich (7-5, 6-2).
The world number 2, who could dislodge Iga Swiatek from the throne of the WTA at the end of the Parisian fortnight had the right to some embarrassing questions about the international context. A confrontation that gave rise to a tense exchange.
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In 2020, you signed a letter in support of Lukashenko as he tortured and beat protesters in the street. Then you celebrated the New Year with him. How can a potential No. 1 support a dictator? The reporter asked. "I have no comment to make. Thank you for your question, "replied the player immediately revived by his interlocutor. "You say that no one can support war. No one supports war. Can you speak for yourself and say, 'I condemn the fact that Belarusians are attacking Ukraine and I wish the war would stop.'" Firm, the player retorted: "I have no comment to make to you.
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The exchange could have continued when the foreign reporter insisted but the moderator of the tournament press service intervened. "It is clear that she is not going to answer questions," the official cut off. "All right, everything is clear now," the journalist concluded. "You've had enough answers from me. I have nothing further to tell you," Sabalenka concluded.
Sabalenka and the handshake affair in the first round
In the first round, Ukraine's Kostyuk refused to shake hands with Aryna Sabalenka after losing in the first round 6-3, 6-2. An attitude that had provoked the whistles of the public and a reaction of disappointment on the part of the Ukrainian.