Ukrainian tennis star Elina Svitolina has once again defended her decision to not shake hands with Russian and Belarusian players, reiterating that her stance is rooted in principle, not personal animosity. Speaking after her third-round win at the US Open 2025, Svitolina addressed the growing scrutiny around her no-handshake policy, which has sparked debate across the tennis world.
The former World No. 3, who returned to the tour in 2023 after maternity leave, has consistently refused post-match handshakes with players from Russia and Belarus in protest of the ongoing war in Ukraine. Her position, she says, is not about disrespecting opponents but about standing in solidarity with her country and the victims of the conflict.
Elina Svitolina’s Statement on No-Handshake Policy
| Quote | Context |
|---|---|
| “It’s not about the players. It’s about the bigger picture.” | On why she avoids handshakes |
| “I respect my opponents as athletes, but I cannot ignore what’s happening back home.” | On separating sport from politics |
| “This is my way of showing support for Ukraine.” | On the symbolic nature of her stance |
| “I will continue this policy until the war ends.” | On her long-term commitment |
Svitolina’s remarks came after her straight-sets win over Russian player Anna Kalinskaya, where she offered a racquet tap at the net instead of a handshake.
Timeline of Svitolina’s No-Handshake Policy
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| February 2022 | Russia invades Ukraine |
| March 2022 | Svitolina announces withdrawal from tournaments involving Russian players |
| April 2023 | Returns to WTA Tour, resumes competition against Russian/Belarusian players |
| May 2023 | Refuses handshake with Aryna Sabalenka at French Open |
| September 2025 | Reiterates stance after US Open win over Kalinskaya |
Her policy has remained consistent for over two years, despite criticism from some quarters of the tennis community.
Reactions from the Tennis World
| Stakeholder | Response |
|---|---|
| WTA Officials | Respect individual decisions, no mandatory handshake rule |
| Russian Players | Mixed reactions; some express understanding, others call it “unsportsmanlike” |
| Ukrainian Players | Support Svitolina’s stance, call it “courageous” |
| Fans and Analysts | Divided opinions; some praise her conviction, others urge separation of sport and politics |
While the WTA has not penalized players for skipping handshakes, the issue continues to stir emotional and ethical debate.
Svitolina’s Performance Since Return
| Tournament | Year | Round Reached | Notable Wins |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wimbledon | 2023 | Semifinal | Defeated Iga Swiatek |
| US Open | 2023 | Quarterfinal | Defeated Daria Kasatkina |
| Australian Open | 2024 | Fourth Round | Defeated Victoria Azarenka |
| Roland Garros | 2024 | Third Round | Lost to Elena Rybakina |
| US Open | 2025 | Ongoing | Defeated Anna Kalinskaya |
Svitolina has re-established herself as a top-tier competitor, combining grit with graceful shot-making.
Svitolina’s Career Stats
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| WTA Titles | 17 |
| Career High Ranking | No. 3 |
| Grand Slam Best | Semifinal (Wimbledon, US Open) |
| Career Prize Money | $22.4 million |
| Wins vs Top 10 | 23 |
Her consistency and resilience have made her one of the most respected players on the tour.
Ethical Debate: Sport vs Politics
| Argument | Supporters Say | Critics Say |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Conviction | Athletes have the right to protest | Sport should remain neutral |
| Symbolic Protest | Raises awareness globally | May alienate fellow professionals |
| Respect vs Gesture | Racquet tap is respectful | Handshake is tradition |
| Long-Term Impact | Inspires others to speak out | Risks politicizing tournaments |
Svitolina’s stance has reignited discussions about the role of athletes in global conflicts and the boundaries of sportsmanship.
Other Athletes Who Have Taken Similar Stances
| Athlete | Sport | Action Taken |
|---|---|---|
| Marta Kostyuk | Tennis | Refused handshake with Russian players |
| Andriy Shevchenko | Football | Advocated for Ukraine in UEFA forums |
| Oleksandr Usyk | Boxing | Wore Ukraine flag in all bouts |
| Daria Snigur | Tennis | Wore Ukraine ribbon during matches |
Svitolina’s position is part of a broader movement among Ukrainian athletes using their platforms to speak out.
What’s Next for Elina Svitolina?
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| US Open Round of 16 | September 21, 2025 | Scheduled |
| Billie Jean King Cup | October 2025 | Expected to lead Ukraine |
| WTA Finals | November 2025 | Qualification likely |
| Paris Olympics 2026 | July 2026 | Strong contender |
Svitolina remains focused on her tennis goals while continuing to advocate for her country.
Conclusion: Svitolina’s Stand Is a Statement of Principle, Not Provocation
Elina Svitolina’s refusal to shake hands with Russian and Belarusian players is not an act of hostility—it’s a deeply personal and symbolic gesture rooted in her identity, values, and national crisis. As she continues to perform at the highest level, her stance serves as a reminder that athletes are not just competitors—they are citizens, advocates, and voices of conscience.
In a sport built on tradition, Svitolina’s decision to break from convention is a powerful act of resistance, one that will be remembered long after the final score is tallied.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available sports reports, verified athlete statements, and official tournament data. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute political, legal, or sports advisory. All match schedules and quotes are subject to change based on official updates.
