Elina Svitolina welcomes WTA’s decision to make ‘No Handshake’ policy official ahead of her clash with Victoria Azarenka

Citi Open will announce the 'no handshake decision' before the round 1 match.

Elina Svitolina welcomes WTA’s decision to make ‘No Handshake’ policy official ahead of her clash with Victoria Azarenka

Still from the Wimbledon 2023's 'no handshake incident' (Credit:- talkSPORT)

Following the ‘handshake controversy’ at Wimbledon, the DC Open tournament administrators have taken proactive steps to rectify the situation. Elina Svitolina, who will face Victoria Azarenka in their forthcoming match, acknowledged the decision by the authorities. Steve Simon, the CEO of WTA, informed Svitolina that before her round one match, they would announce to the spectators that there would be no handshake. Svitolina, expressed her happiness with the decision, considering the political context surrounding the Russia-Ukraine crisis.

“I’m happy with that,” Svitolina said press conference at ATP/WTA 500 Washington, emphasizing her stance for her country and the authorities’ decision to respect her call.

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The enthralling Wimbledon match between Svitolina and Azarenka was marred by booing from the audience as the Belarusian did not shake hands, respecting the former’s decision. Despite Svitolina’s firm position, the incident ignited a heated debate about audience conduct and ways to avoid such misunderstandings.

Svitolina has been requesting the WTA since the Wimbledon, to officially issue a statement regarding the ‘no handshake policy’ for Russian and Belarussian players. Her request has finally been heard by the WTA.

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Elina Svitolina and Victoria Azarenka set for Citi Open showdown after Wimbledon epic

Victoria Azarenka, Elina Svitolina
Victoria Azarenka, Elina Svitolina (Credit:- Wimbledon)

Tennis fans are in for a treat, as Svitolina and Azarenka, are set to square off again at the Citi Open, only three weeks after their epic Wimbledon match. The primary draw for the tournament was made public on Friday, showing an enticing first-round blockbuster that looks to be the centerpiece of the early action.

Svitolina and Azarenka provided a memorable display on the grass court, showcasing their prowess and dedication. The match was full of high-intensity rallies and spectacular moments as both players fought with unflinching will to win. As Svitolina won 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (9), it became clear that her on-court competition was motivated not only by her tennis ability but also by representing her country.

Svitolina, from Ukraine, understood that her match meant more than just a place in the next round. She revealed her enormous excitement and emotions on the court immediately after her victory, calling it “the happiest moment” of her career. She readily confessed in her post-match press conference that this was not simply any ordinary match for her. The, underlying desire to win for the people of Ukraine, provided a deeper depth of meaning to the game.

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