Ukraine’s Marta Kostjuk congratulated Belarus’ Viktoria Azarenka with just a brief touch of the racquet after their 2-6, 3-6 defeat in the second round of the US Open. There was no handshake after the game, which had sparked increased interest due to the political tensions in both players’ home countries.
“I just don’t think it’s the right thing to do in the situation I’m in right now,” said the 20-year-old from Kyiv. “It was just my decision. I didn’t feel like it.”
Azarenka stressed that she “didn’t want to make a big deal” out of her opponent’s somewhat unusual behavior.
“I always shake hands with my opponents. I had the same situation with Dajana Jastremska in Washington,” said the two-time Australian Open winner: “It is what it is. I just keep going. I can’t force anyone to do it to me shake hands. It’s her choice.”
In Wimbledon, Russian and Belarusian players were not allowed to start due to sanctions, this does not apply in New York.