Aryna Sabalenko became the winner of the Belarusian-Ukrainian match in the quarters of Roland Garros, at the end of the match, which was not without tense moments.

Aryna Sabalenko, respect and admiration for Elina Svitolinia

The match between Elina Svitolina and Aryna Sabalenko was won in two sets by the athlete from Belarus, who set a personal record on clay in Paris.

This year’s champion of the Australian Open reached the semi-finals, where she will meet with Karolina Mukhova.

The Belarusian-Ukrainian match at Roland Garros was not without tension, and Svitolina refused to greet Aryna Sabalenko at the net.

Immediately after the match, Svitolina accused Sabalenka of inflaming the spirit, and the WTA No. 2 explained her gesture of going to the net and sent a message to Svitolina in a press conference.

“It was a very tough match, I’m very happy to win and reach another Grand Slam semi-final. I don’t know why I waited at the net, it was instinct because I do that after every match.

I don’t think she deserves to be booed. I have a lot of respect for Elina for what she was able to do after giving birth. I admire her very much. – said Aryna Sabalenko.

At the same time, Sabalenko also spoke about the reason for refusing to participate in the last two press conferences at Roland Garros.

“I felt disrespected, there were journalists who wanted to associate the war with my name. I was uncomfortable coming here in front of you. That’s what it’s about. I am always open when I come before you.

I felt bad for not coming here, I couldn’t sleep, thank you for always coming to ask me questions, I respect you all, and I felt bad for not coming to the conference.

I can’t say I regret the decision not to come, but I felt disrespected. At Grand Slams, there is a lot of pressure to adjust. The last press conference became too much about politics.

I wanted to retire for a bit to focus on my game. I’m here today and ready to answer all your questions. I feel privileged that I was not present at the conferences, I had a few days of rest and freedom.

Nobody put words in my mouth, and that was very good for me.” – summed it up.